Madrid, August 22 – EP Games today unveiled the first gameplay footage of their survival adventure game "Oppidum" running on Nintendo Switch hardware, showcasing visual quality that competes with the platform's best titles. The footage demonstrates the result of an extended development process focused on maximizing the platform's capabilities rather than rushing to market.
https://youtu.be/xbyq4-2ksKw
Quality-First Development Approach
The Switch version of Oppidum has been in development longer than initially anticipated, with EP Games choosing to prioritize visual fidelity and performance optimization over speed to market. The result is a port that leverages the full potential of Nintendo Switch hardware, delivering crisp visuals and smooth gameplay that showcases what independent developers can achieve with dedicated effort.
"We took extra time because we believe Switch players deserve the complete Oppidum experience," said Daniel Barba, CEO and Lead Programmer at EP Games. "When you see our mystical island of Insule running on Switch hardware, the visual quality speaks for itself. We've achieved something we're genuinely proud of – a survival adventure that looks stunning on Nintendo's platform."
The development team drew inspiration from beloved Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, working to achieve similar levels of atmospheric beauty and technical polish within their own artistic vision.
Technical Achievement Highlights
The Switch port demonstrates several technical accomplishments:
- Enhanced Visual Rendering: Optimized lighting and atmospheric effects that maintain the game's distinctive aesthetic
- Stable Performance: Consistent frame rates across all gameplay scenarios
- Complete Feature Parity: Full 1-4 player co-op support with no compromises to core gameplay
- Artistic Integrity: Preservation of Oppidum's unique visual style without sacrificing quality for performance
Independent Developer Challenges
Like many independent developers, EP Games has faced challenges in accessing development resources for next-generation Nintendo hardware. While major publishers receive early access to upcoming platforms, smaller studios often work without the same advantages, creating unequal opportunities in the development ecosystem.
"The gaming industry benefits from diverse voices and innovative ideas from independent developers," noted Jennifer Barba, Producer at EP Games. "When smaller studios have equal access to development tools and platforms, players ultimately benefit from more creative and varied gaming experiences."
This reality has led EP Games to focus intensively on maximizing their current Switch development, ensuring the best possible experience for players on the existing platform.
About Oppidum
Oppidum invites players to explore the mystical island of Insule in a survival adventure designed for 1-4 players. The game emphasizes cooperative exploration, base building, and narrative discovery in a beautifully crafted world that balances challenge with contemplative gameplay.
Core Features:
- Cooperative Survival: Seamless 1-4 player online multiplayer
- Atmospheric World: Dynamic weather systems and carefully crafted biomes
- Meaningful Progression: Deep crafting and base-building mechanics
- Narrative Depth: Engaging story with memorable characters
Since its April 2025 release on PC and consoles, Oppidum has cultivated a dedicated community who appreciate its thoughtful approach to survival gaming and cooperative gameplay, as well as a deep understanding of accessibility in games.
Community and Platform Information
Current Platforms: Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Upcoming: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 (release date TBD)
The development team maintains close communication with their player community, regularly incorporating feedback and providing transparent development updates.
Development Philosophy
EP Games' approach to the Switch port reflects their broader development philosophy: quality over speed, community feedback over market pressure, and technical excellence over quick profits. This philosophy has guided their decision to extend development time to ensure the Switch version meets their standards.
"We'd rather release something we're proud of than something that's merely adequate," explained Daniel Barba. "Switch players will get the same magical experience that PC and console players have enjoyed, with the added benefit of true portability."