With the plethora of game delays in 2021, it's fair to assume that many of the games intended for release in 2022 may not make it out this year. Many developers are still struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on game development and many of the issues from 2020's initial lockdown period have had ripple effects on the status of games even two years later. With this in mind, it's not too much of a surprise to say that Dying Light 2: Stay Human's Nintendo Switch cloud version has been delayed.
Polish developer Techland has revealed that while Dying Light 2: Stay Human is still on track to make its February 4th release date after going gold back in December, the Nintendo Switch version, which is powered by cloud technology, has been delayed, with the team citing its commitment to quality as the influencing factor behind the major delay. The original Dying Light received a native Nintendo Switch port in 2021 under the title Dying Light: Platinum Edition. The native Switch port was met with warm critical reception, with many outlets surprised at the quality of the port, which is why fans were disappointed when Techland revealed that the Switch port for Dying Light 2 would utilize cloud technology.
Techland has confirmed that it intends to release the Nintendo Switch cloud version of Dying Light 2: Stay Human within six months of the original intended release date, meaning this version of the game will likely release before September 2022. Unfortunately, due to the scope of the game, it seems like a native port to the console has been ruled out, as the developer has revealed no intention on scrapping the cloud version for a native port to Nintendo's handheld-console hybrid system.
Many Nintendo Switch ports of major, demanding games have utilized cloud technology in the past due to high development costs required to bring the games to Nintendo's lower powered platform, coupled with the fact that many of the next-generation games simply could not run on the platform natively without major compromises. Square Enix recently received backlash for announcing that it intends to bring the Kingdom Hearts series to Nintendo Switch using cloud technology, including titles such as Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD Final ReMIX, which is a collection of HD remasters of PS2 games.
Titles to receive cloud ports range from big budget titles such as Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and Control, to smaller titles that would likely cost a lot to bring to the Switch such as The Forgotten City and A Plague Tale: Innocence. However, the quality of these cloud versions range dramatically, with many criticizing games such as Guardians of the Galaxy for poor performance, but praising the likes of The Forgotten City for translating better to cloud performance. Knowing this, it seems like Techland's decision to work on the Switch version for an extra couple of months may benefit Nintendo Switch owners interested in Dying Light 2 in the long-run.
Dying Light 2 launches February 4 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, with a Switch version also in development.