Bigben Interactive’s sports simulation game, Tennis World Tour, has encountered another delay for its Nintendo Switch release.
The publisher confirmed this decision is aimed at guaranteeing that the Switch version benefits from all necessary improvements and bug fixes at launch.
This move comes in response to feedback from the broader gaming community regarding the game’s initial release on other platforms. Tennis World Tour, developed by Breakpoint Studio and published by Bigben, generated significant attention prior to its original launch, particularly among tennis and sports simulation fans on the Nintendo Switch.
However, the game quickly became a focal point for industry discussion due to issues with its initial playability and missing features.
In a notable interview with French newspaper Le Monde, Bigben’s chairman and CEO Alain Falc disclosed that the game was approximately 20 percent complete only a matter of weeks before its original release window.
This revelation raised concerns over development practices and the rush to coincide with high-profile tennis events, such as the 2018 French Open. Falc clarified that the publisher chose to proceed with launch plans to capitalize on marketing investments centered around the French Open, rather than postpone release and rely on future campaigns.
He also stated that the company had distributed 500,000 copies to retailers, many of whom, according to Falc’s comments, were unable to return unsold stock—ensuring financial success for Bigben despite the product’s unfinished state. Following mounting criticism from players and media alike, Bigben committed to releasing a significantly updated edition of Tennis World Tour next year, with long-term plans to develop a new installment targeting 2020 or 2021.
In an official statement, the publisher acknowledged player disappointment, especially over the initial lack of online multiplayer features.
Bigben outlined a phased approach to post-launch support, including the addition of online quick matches, global ranked leaderboards, a Doubles mode, Weekly Challenge mode, improved gameplay animations, new customization items, audio enhancements, and further bug fixes to be delivered in the weeks and months following launch. For the Nintendo Switch platform, Tennis World Tour is scheduled to release in North America on June 12 and in Europe on June 19.
The extended timeline is intended to address prior issues and restore consumer confidence, as Bigben aims to deliver the essential updates Switch players expect.
The game will be available via retail and through the Nintendo eShop. As the gaming community awaits the refined Switch edition, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and readiness in the competitive world of game development—particularly for high-profile releases tied to major sporting events on platforms like Nintendo Switch.
The publisher confirmed this decision is aimed at guaranteeing that the Switch version benefits from all necessary improvements and bug fixes at launch.
This move comes in response to feedback from the broader gaming community regarding the game’s initial release on other platforms. Tennis World Tour, developed by Breakpoint Studio and published by Bigben, generated significant attention prior to its original launch, particularly among tennis and sports simulation fans on the Nintendo Switch.
However, the game quickly became a focal point for industry discussion due to issues with its initial playability and missing features.
In a notable interview with French newspaper Le Monde, Bigben’s chairman and CEO Alain Falc disclosed that the game was approximately 20 percent complete only a matter of weeks before its original release window.
This revelation raised concerns over development practices and the rush to coincide with high-profile tennis events, such as the 2018 French Open. Falc clarified that the publisher chose to proceed with launch plans to capitalize on marketing investments centered around the French Open, rather than postpone release and rely on future campaigns.
He also stated that the company had distributed 500,000 copies to retailers, many of whom, according to Falc’s comments, were unable to return unsold stock—ensuring financial success for Bigben despite the product’s unfinished state. Following mounting criticism from players and media alike, Bigben committed to releasing a significantly updated edition of Tennis World Tour next year, with long-term plans to develop a new installment targeting 2020 or 2021.
In an official statement, the publisher acknowledged player disappointment, especially over the initial lack of online multiplayer features.
Bigben outlined a phased approach to post-launch support, including the addition of online quick matches, global ranked leaderboards, a Doubles mode, Weekly Challenge mode, improved gameplay animations, new customization items, audio enhancements, and further bug fixes to be delivered in the weeks and months following launch. For the Nintendo Switch platform, Tennis World Tour is scheduled to release in North America on June 12 and in Europe on June 19.
The extended timeline is intended to address prior issues and restore consumer confidence, as Bigben aims to deliver the essential updates Switch players expect.
The game will be available via retail and through the Nintendo eShop. As the gaming community awaits the refined Switch edition, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and readiness in the competitive world of game development—particularly for high-profile releases tied to major sporting events on platforms like Nintendo Switch.
