Rumor: Nintendo Of America Dropping Devil’s Third, But Valhalla Has A New Publisher

Nintendo isn’t saying anything, but multiple rumors have surfaced that the company’s American arm has dropped Tomonobu Itagaki’s Devil’s Third from its slate. The game has a release date in Europe and Japan, and will still be published by Nintendo’s team in that territory.

Unseen64 reports that Nintendo has concerns about the game’s quality. The video in question also cites unnamed European journalists currently under embargo until July 15, who say that the game isn’t very good.

This morning, Siliconera added fuel to the rumor fire, suggesting it had received independent confirmation that Nintendo of America has decided not to publish Devil’s Third. However, that site suggests that Itagaki’s Valhalla Game Studio has found another publishing partner.

When we reached out to Nintendo, we were told that the company doesn’t comment on rumors and speculation. We also received no response when we asked if anything at all had changed from May 7 when Nintendo told investors that the game was on track for a 2015 release under Nintendo of America’s label.

Devil’s Third was planned for publication by THQ, but the company dropped the title in July, 2012. At that time, all rights reverted back to Valhalla.

[Source: Unseen64, Siliconera]

Our Take
It’s clear that something is going on here, as Nintendo could have put rumors to bed if all was well. The fact that we weren’t able to get a response to our question that hinges on investor documents assuring the game for release this year in North America is telling.