Chained Echoes Developer Ends Partnership with First Press Games Amid 2-Year Physical Release Delay

Chained Echoes, the critically acclaimed indie RPG developed by Matthias Linda, has encountered significant turbulence with its much-anticipated physical release.

Distributed digitally via key platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and other consoles, Chained Echoes was initially celebrated for its retro-inspired gameplay and impressive narrative.

Published by Deck13 Spotlight, the game swiftly garnered a strong following after its release on December 8, 2022, amassing favorable reviews and a loyal fanbase.

For Kickstarter backers and collectors, anticipation for physical editions has run high since the campaign’s inception. However, the developer’s partnership with physical distributor First Press Games has now come to an abrupt end.

Citing an extended, two-year delay in the fulfillment of most physical editions—including those promised for the Nintendo Switch—Linda announced on the game’s Kickstarter page that he is officially terminating all business relations with First Press Games and preparing legal action.

Only standard PlayStation 4 copies have been distributed to date, leaving backers of other platforms without their pledged products. In his latest statement on Kickstarter, Matthias Linda expressed that this move "was not a simple choice." He emphasized that the decision came after intensive thought and out of necessity, given the lack of progress over more than two years since the originally scheduled release.

Linda clarified that, due to ongoing legal proceedings, he cannot divulge further specifics at this time. Despite these constraints, Linda remains transparent and proactive.

He has outlined two clear pathways for Kickstarter supporters who have yet to receive their physical copy: one option involves fulfilling orders through another publisher, which may necessitate further waiting, while the other option is to request a refund.

For the latter, Linda provided direct contact instructions and the necessary steps to claim a refund, reiterating his commitment to ensuring backers are not left uncompensated. First Press Games, a company previously tasked with the manufacturing and distribution of limited-run physical editions, has faced repeated scrutiny from the gaming community over delays and customer service issues.

The recent decision by the Chained Echoes developer to pursue legal recourse further highlights ongoing concerns about reliability within the niche market of indie physical game releases. For those eager for updates or seeking resolution, Linda recommends visiting the Kickstarter update for comprehensive instructions.

As this situation continues to unfold, backers and fans alike await further developments regarding physical editions for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and beyond.