Why did Cuphead DLC take so long?

Why did Cuphead DLC take so long?

Cuphead, the critically acclaimed run-and-gun action game, released its highly anticipated DLC expansion, The Delicious Last Course, after a significant delay. The DLC was initially announced in 2018 with a 2019 release date, but it took another three years to finally arrive on June 30, 2022. The question on everyone’s mind is, why did Cuphead DLC take so long?

A Small Studio with Big Ambitions

Studio MDHR, the independent game developer behind Cuphead, has a relatively small team of around 18 developers and only about six animators. When creating a game of this scope, it’s clear that the studio had high ambitions, which ultimately contributed to the delay.

Avoiding Crunch Time and Prioritizing Quality

In an interview, Jason Morris, one half of the Studio MDHR, explained that they deliberately slowed down the development process to avoid putting too much pressure on the team. The studio wanted to ensure that the DLC met their standards, and rushing the project would have compromised the quality. This decision resulted in a longer development time, but ultimately led to a better final product.

Impact of COVID-19

The global pandemic, COVID-19, also played a significant role in the delay. The studio’s team worked remotely, which presented unique challenges, such as adapting to new tools and technologies. Additionally, the lockdowns and social distancing measures affected the team’s daily lives, making it harder to maintain a consistent pace.

What did Cuphead DLC entail?

The Delicious Last Course expansion adds new content to Cuphead, including:

• Six new main bosses: Each with their unique art style, mechanics, and challenges.
• Over 30 new enemies: More adversaries to face, with varied designs and attack patterns.
• Improved graphics and sound: Upgraded visuals and audio quality to enhance the overall experience.
• New weapon and charm abilities: Expansion of the game’s customization options.

Comparison with Other Games

To put the delay into perspective, consider the following:

• Melvor Idle, a Runescape-inspired incremental game, took around three years to develop, whereas Cuphead DLC took almost four years to complete.
• Cuphead itself, the original game, was in development for approximately five years before its release in 2017.

The Verdict

The Cuphead DLC delay was likely due to a combination of factors, including the studio’s ambitious goals, the need to avoid crunch time, and the impact of COVID-19. The extra time invested resulted in a high-quality expansion that enhanced the overall Cuphead experience. Players who have awaited this DLC will undoubtedly find it worth the wait, as it adds significant depth and replay value to the game.

Conclusion

The story of Cuphead DLC’s development serves as a reminder that quality cannot be rushed, even if it means sacrificing speed. Studio MDHR’s commitment to excellence and their players’ satisfaction is evident in the final product. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the Cuphead universe, The Delicious Last Course is an essential addition to the game that is sure to challenge and entertain you.