Fan Made SNES Yooka-Laylee Footage Surfaces

Playtonic Games has always been big on fan created content, and have been retweeting a lot of fan submissions they have received. If what the fans are producing is any indication, Yooka-Laylee is one of the most watched and anticipated titles of 2017. Super fan @DvonLaser (on Twitter) posted this video (seen below) of his working 2D Yooka-Laylee game on the SNES.

While many companies severly frown on this type of fan interaction, Playtonic Games has been very supportive of fan service to their upcoming game, even tweeting out,

The fan bar has been raised: @DvonLaser sent us an actual, working version of #YookaLaylee for SNES.

I’m glad to see this type of interaction between developers and fans. This generally only takes place on smaller projects and small teams. In recent years, a number of companies have excelled at their communication with fans on Twitter and other social media platforms. The one that comes top of mind to me is the team behind SteamWorld Dig and SteamWorld Heist. These are constantly interacting with fans, posting great fan submitted content, and more.

These interactions serve a dual purpose: first, it allows companies to interact with fans and receive real feedback as development is ongoing. This includes the ability to bounce ideas of fans, and even ask for fan input on specific aspects of the game. Second, these companies develop a more personal relationship with the people they are trying to sell too. I generally dislike 2D side scrolling adventure games like Dig and Heist, but because of my many interactions with many of the key individuals on that team, I felt compelled to purchase it (multiple times mind you).

If more companies follow in the footsteps of Playtonic Games and Image and Form, I think consumers and developers will be better off for doing so. I’m glad Playtonic was open and receptive to this small side project, opposed to shutting it down and issuing cease and desist letters!