Dead Cells is a really good video game, and is a perfect fit for the handheld Nintendo Switch. However, the Switch version performs noticeably under 60 frames-per-second, which makes for a less smooth experience than on other gaming systems. Yesterday, the game’s developers said they’re getting to work on improvements.
In a post on Reddit yesterday responding to a thread that complained about the Switch’s framerate drops, a representative for Dead Cells maker Motion Twin said that performance fixes are the company’s “main priority” in the coming months, although the developers don’t expect a fix to come until November “at the absolute earliest”.
This isn’t the first time Switch performance has come up. When I was reviewing Dead Cells, I noticed Switch frame-rates that felt somewhere in the 40fps zone during several parts of the game, usually some graphically detailed areas and any room with a lot of enemies. It only rarely impacted my enjoyment of the game — which, again, is great — but it was noticeable.
In the process of writing my review, I asked developer Motion Twin if there were any performance patches planned.
One of their developers, Benjamin Laulan, gave me a lengthy and detailed statement explaining that while they were aware of the performance dips, they had had made the call to ship the game as it was, rather than delay it to work on deeper Switch optimisation. He also said that if they heard from players that the game’s Switch performance wasn’t up to snuff, they’d go in and fix it after launch.
It looks as though they did hear that from players. Yesterday, in a thread on the Switch subreddit warning players of low Switch frame-rates, Motion Twin responded with another lengthy, thoughtful statement further explaining the reasons for the Switch version’s performance, apologising to anyone disappointed by the port, and pledging to begin work on a fix. They said that they’ve allocated “all available resources” to Switch optimisation, and that it will be an involved process.
I’m not surprised that some players have been bummed that Dead Cells fell short of the smooth performance it has on other systems. Given how much fun I’ve had playing the game on Switch, I’m also not surprised that the developers decided the game was fun enough to ship as it was, rather than delay it. Hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll have a Switch version of Dead Cells that makes everyone happy.
Comments
6 responses to “Dead Cells Developers Say Improving Switch Performance Is Now Their Priority”
Hmm… to wait, or not to wait.
It’s hard to justify buying a game that would arguably play better elsewhere (especially considering it’s gonna be more heavily discounted outside of Nintendo’s eshop in the future), but the game also looks perfect for my mostly neglected Switch.
I get what you mean but the way I see it is that whilst it currently plays better elsewhere, it plays perfectly well on Switch. So unless you play another version before the Switch version you won’t have anything to compare it to and overall it makes no meaningful impact on your ability to play the game. It’s still more than acceptable. However, being fair, if you want the game now and you want it at 60FPS then the Switch version is a no-go. Also, if your Switch is mostly neglected then, whilst this game is a perfect fit for the Switch, I wouldn’t be swayed at all by this being a use for it.
I’ve got it on Switch and absolutely love it. Any frame rate issues (which have been pretty rare) have not affected by enjoyment so far. Honestly one of the most instantly enjoyable games I’ve played over the past few years.
Same. I’m a high FPS sort of guy, I have a nice PC so I’m used to 100hz glory, but playing this on the switch not once have I thought ‘man these dropped frames’.
I’m really digging this game, I feel like I’ve already gotten my money’s worth even though it’s only 2 days old.
I mean how many frames did castlevania have? Still fun though. Metroid as well. I guess more attention to the game is good but I really haven’t seen the need for it. It’s a great game and anyone who likes this kind of thing should buy it at full price so the developers can reap the rewards for their hard work.
See you in November – wallet
If they knew it had performance drops why not just whack a 30fps cap option in the menu before release? (I understand it’s not that simple, but surely easier than getting solid 60fps).