Chained Echoes Developer Prepares Lawsuit Against First Press Games Over Unfulfilled Physical Editions

Matthias Linda, the sole developer behind the critically acclaimed retro RPG Chained Echoes, has announced a significant and unfortunate development: he is terminating his business relationship with physical game publisher First Press Games and is preparing legal action. The move comes after First Press Games allegedly failed to deliver on the promised physical copies of the game to Kickstarter backers, a situation that has dragged on for over two years past the original expected release window.

A Beloved RPG’s Physical Release Stalls

Chained Echoes, a passion project that captured the hearts of many with its nostalgic 16-bit aesthetic and compelling narrative, first launched its Kickstarter campaign in February 2019. The project quickly achieved its funding goals, and the digital version of the game was eventually released to widespread praise on December 8, 2022. During the crowdfunding campaign, stretch goals were met for physical editions of the game across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC. These physical editions were a key promise to the dedicated backers who helped bring the game to life.

However, the journey from digital success to physical fulfillment has been fraught with delays and disappointment. According to an update shared by Linda with his Kickstarter backers, only the PlayStation 4 physical editions of Chained Echoes have ever reached their intended recipients. This is despite the fact that the approval process for these physical copies reportedly concluded in the fourth quarter of 2023. For over two years since the initial expected release, and now well into 2026, backers have been waiting for their Switch and PC copies, with no concrete delivery dates or even firm updates from First Press Games.

The frustration has evidently reached a breaking point for Linda. In his recent communication, he stated, “It’s been a bit over 2 years since the physical copies were supposed to be released by First Press Games and so far in 2026 nothing has arrived except the regular Playstation 4 edition. Because of that I had to make a decision: I am terminating my business relationship with FPG and I am preparing a lawsuit.” He further elaborated that due to ongoing legal considerations, he is unable to provide further details at this time. This decision marks a somber turn for a project that was otherwise celebrated for its independent success.

A Pattern of Unfulfilled Promises?

This situation with Chained Echoes is not an isolated incident for First Press Games. Reports suggest that a significant number of indie developers have encountered similar difficulties with the publisher over the past several years. While Linda’s announcement focuses on the failure to deliver Switch and PC versions of Chained Echoes, the core issue appears to be a recurring problem with First Press Games’ ability to manage and execute physical production and distribution commitments. This pattern raises serious concerns about the publisher’s operational reliability and its impact on the independent development community.

Adding to the concern, despite the ongoing delays and the developer’s public statements, physical editions of Chained Echoes are reportedly still available for order through First Press Games’ official website. This suggests that the company may still be taking orders for products it has demonstrably struggled to deliver to its original backers. For fans who ordered directly from First Press Games and not through the original Kickstarter campaign, the situation is even more complex. Linda has indicated that he will not be able to issue refunds for these independent orders. However, he has pledged to compensate backers who may have upgraded their Kickstarter orders to different versions through First Press Games’ store using their provided vouchers, distinguishing these from entirely separate purchases.

Navigating the Fallout for Backers

The implications for the backers of Chained Echoes are significant. Those who supported the game through Kickstarter and are still awaiting their physical copies are left in limbo. The developer’s decision to pursue legal action, while necessary from his perspective, does little to immediately resolve the issue of missing games. Backers who opted for the physical editions were likely motivated by a desire to own a tangible piece of a game they cherished and supported from its inception. The prolonged delay and the uncertainty surrounding the fulfillment process have undoubtedly eroded the initial excitement and trust.

For those who placed orders directly with First Press Games, the path to resolution is even murkier. Linda’s commitment to covering Kickstarter voucher upgrades is a commendable effort to mitigate some of the damage, but it doesn’t extend to all customers. This leaves a segment of the fanbase potentially out of pocket with no recourse for their undelivered merchandise. The situation underscores the risks inherent in crowdfunding and the importance of choosing reliable partners for physical releases.

The ongoing legal proceedings, once initiated, may shed more light on the specific reasons behind First Press Games’ alleged failures. Until then, the community is left to grapple with the disappointment and the unresolved promise of physical copies for a game that deserved a smoother transition from digital acclaim to tangible collector’s item.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the main issue between Chained Echoes and First Press Games?
  The developer of Chained Echoes, Matthias Linda, is preparing to sue First Press Games because the company has failed to produce and deliver the promised physical copies of the game to Kickstarter backers for the Nintendo Switch and PC versions, over two years past the expected release date.
• Were any physical copies of Chained Echoes released?
  Yes, only the PlayStation 4 physical editions were successfully delivered to backers. The Nintendo Switch and PC versions remain unfulfilled.
• Has First Press Games had issues with other developers?
  Yes, reports indicate that First Press Games has faced similar accusations of failing to fulfill orders from close to a dozen other indie developers over the past four years.
• Can I still order physical copies of Chained Echoes?
  According to the source material, physical editions of Chained Echoes are still available for order on First Press Games’ website, despite the ongoing fulfillment issues.
• Will I get a refund if I ordered directly from First Press Games?
  Matthias Linda has stated that he cannot refund orders placed independently through First Press Games. However, he plans to compensate Kickstarter backers who used vouchers to upgrade their orders through the FPG store.

The situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in game development and publishing, especially when it comes to physical media. Fans and developers alike will be watching closely as this legal dispute unfolds, hoping for a resolution that honors the dedication of the Chained Echoes community.