According to recent report from gaming news site Eurogamer, Metroid Prime 4, which was announced at E3 last year, will apparently be developed by Bandai Namco Singapore. “Specifically, the highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch exclusive is being developed by Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, which we understand is lead studio on the game in collaboration with Nintendo. This studio houses some former LucasArts Singapore staff who previously worked on, among other things, the ambitious cancelled Star Wars 1313.”
Not much is currently known about the game and the only thing we’ve actually seen for the game is logo. During the media briefing after the game’s announcement, journalists inquired to Nintendo on whom would be making the new title. Nintendo refuesed to give a direct answer but did say that Retro Studios would not be responsible for it. Now, it seems that Bandai Namco is in charge of development for the game, coming as a surprise to some.
Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2 and Metroid Prime 3 were all developed by Retro Studios, which is a branch of Nintendo. As for Metroid: Other M, Team Ninja worked closely with Nintendo to bring that game to life. The article from Eurogamer unfortunately doesn’t name its sources, but does include quite a bit of evidence that supports these rumors.
In the past, Bandai Namco has worked on Super Smash Bros. for the 3DS and Wii U, Pokkén Tournament for the Wii U and Switch, as well as the Mario Kart arcade game. Metroid Prime 4 seems to still be pretty early in development and there’s no hints to a release date anytime soon so fans will have to hope that the developers will deliver a worthy addition to the franchise.