A FEW weeks ago, Nintendo announced that there would be a super secret playtest for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
No one knew what they were signing up for, but it was so popular the 10k spots were filled within seconds.
With social interactions and user-generated content like Roblox[/caption]
Preloads for the Nintendo Switch Online playtest have begun, and an FAQ accompanying the download has shone light onto what the secret game is.
The game’s world is described as a “massive, expansive planet” where players will work together to build and create things.
It says that players can “discover new lands, enemies, and resources that will become essential to your journey.”
Players will be given special items called beacons, which will allow them to build things in the zone around their beacon.
Inside a Beacon Zone, only the player who placed the beacon will be able to build and edit things, while outside of beacons anyone can do what they want.
The FAQ also describes a social space called the “Dev Core” where players can gather, interact and ‘level up’.
There will be two types of currency: Dev Points earned by building and crafting, and Connex Points earned via interaction with other players.
The screenshots included in the document make the game feel like a mix between Minecraft and Roblox, though there are obvious dangers in titles like this.
Roblox is known for abuse carried out via player interactions, and Nintendo seems to be putting systems in place to prevent this.
Players will take a test to “show that you understand the importance of respectful communication”, and Nintendo is known for having good moderation in place.
It appears to be a completely new IP from the company, and looks nothing like any existing Nintendo games.
Footage has not been revealed yet, and people are yet to dive into the game.
Players were supposed to keep all information from the Nintendo playtest to themselves, but with 10k players that always seemed like wishful thinking.
Nintendo’s take on FortMineBlox
With the popularity of user-generated content in games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox, this seems like a smooth move by Nintendo.
However, moderating user interactions can be tricky, and Roblox in particular has huge issues, with one firm calling it a “pedophile hellscape”.
Nintendo is known for its brilliant moderation, and we assume that player communications will be limited.
It will be hard to judge before we see actual gameplay, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on.
If you want to read more about Nintendo, check out the latest new game on Nintendo Switch Online.
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For Xbox Series X and PS5 reviews, check out our full game reviews section.
