Picross Developer Struggles to Secure Nintendo Collaborations
Jupiter, the developer behind Picross, has expressed difficulties in convincing Nintendo to collaborate on official projects using the Picross IP.
The last full retail release the two companies worked on was Picross DS in 2007.
Jupiter has since released Pokémon Picross (2015) in partnership with The Pokémon Company, as well as a Zelda: Twilight Princess version of Picross (2016) for My Nintendo members.
However, most Picross titles are developed and published solely by Jupiter, with no involvement from Nintendo.
In an exclusive interview with AsumeTech, Norichika Meguro, Jupiter’s managing director, explained that persuading Nintendo to agree to collaboration pitches was becoming increasingly challenging. Still, they hold hope that a collaboration can be agreed upon for the series’ upcoming 30th anniversary in 2025.
Currently, there are 12 Picross games available on the Switch eShop, including the eight entries in the main Picross S series. None of these are Nintendo collaborations.
Meguro explained that it is easier this way because Nintendo is more willing to allow Jupiter to release its own Picross games. While Jupiter owns the systems behind the puzzle games, Nintendo owns the ‘Picross’ name.
According to Meguro, navigating Nintendo’s approval process has become more challenging, so it is simpler for Jupiter to publish games with their own IP rather than pitching ideas and waiting for Nintendo to provide the IP for collaboration.
Despite the challenges, Jupiter plans to continue releasing Picross titles on Nintendo’s next console, whenever it launches.
In conclusion, Meguro expressed gratitude to the fans for their support of Picross and assured them that the series will be coming to the new hardware. He also expressed appreciation for the direct feedback received from users, which helps evolve the series at a faster pace.
