Feral Interactive has been one of the best porting houses for Nintendo Switch over the years with incredible ports of Alien: Isolation and GRID Autosport. The developer recently launched Hitman: Absolution for Switch following its mobile release, and it will be getting a Switch 2 version with a free upgrade. Ahead of its launch, I had a chance to chat with the team to discuss working with Nintendo, learnings from the mobile port, potential Switch 2 upgrades for other games, mouse controls, simultaneous launches, coffee, and more.
Nintendo Insider: For those unaware, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Feral Interactive.
Val (VPG): Hi, my name is Val and I have been a Designer at Feral Interactive for almost 7 years. I was the Design Lead for both the mobile and Switch ports of Hitman: Blood Money – Reprisal and Hitman: Absolution.
Edwin (ES): Hi, my name is Edwin, I’ve been at Feral for over 20 years now and currently lead the Production and Design departments.
Nintendo Insider: I interviewed you recently for the iOS and Android version of Hitman: Absolution. I’m curious if development for the Switch port happened alongside the mobile version with the same team, or whether you had a different Switch-focused team on this one.
VPG: We developed both versions simultaneously. Although the two versions have separate optimisation and graphics tasks, there is a fair amount of crossover between the platforms with general fixes that impact both platforms. For example, we fully support gamepad controls on our iOS/Android version, so it made sense to have the same dedicated team on both.
Nintendo Insider: What learnings from the iOS and Android launch helped with the Switch port of Hitman: Absolution?
VPG: The mobile release has been well received; players have been very appreciative of all the new settings we have added to modernise and optimise gameplay. This confirmed that some of those would also benefit the Nintendo Switch port.
Nintendo Insider: How long have the Switch and Switch 2 versions of Hitman: Absolution been in development?
ES: Once Hitman: Blood Money – Reprisal was released on both mobile and Switch, Hitman: Absolution was the game that fully occupied our minds in the Design team. As for the development time, it took over a year both for iOS/Android and Switch versions of the game.
Nintendo Insider: What were the biggest challenges you ran into on Switch and Switch 2 compared to mobile with Hitman: Absolution?
VPG: On Nintendo Switch it was performance. Some hotspots required more optimisation as well as some careful tuning of graphics to reach a stable frame rate and ensure smooth gameplay. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release, (which will be a free upgrade to those who already have the game on Switch) will offer improved graphics, higher frame rates and support for the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls.
ES: As Val said, the main challenge on Switch 1 was performance, as the hardware dates from 2015. Getting good visuals and a stable frame rate — especially in handheld mode — requires a lot of testing, analysis and optimisation!
Nintendo Insider: You’ve mentioned that Hitman: Absolution is getting a free upgrade on Switch 2. Will this be a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cross-gen upgrade or a brand-new game that will read the save data?
ES: The aim is to have the simplest and most user-friendly solution for users; there are a few options to consider, which we are still working through.
Nintendo Insider: Did you consider delaying the Switch version so you could launch both together when the Switch 2 version releases?
ES: Yes, we did, but given the huge installed base of Switch users, and the uncertainty around the extra work required for the Switch 2 version, we decided to split the releases.
That said, the upgrade to the Switch 2 will be free for owners of the Switch version — so people can buy the Switch version knowing that it will unlock the Switch 2 at no extra cost.
Nintendo Insider: I like the gyro support in Hitman: Absolution on Switch, but the performance is a noticeable step back from my iPhone. Can you go into specifics for the Switch 2 upgrade in terms of resolution and frame rate compared to Switch 1?
VPG: As mentioned the Nintendo Switch is now an old device, and given its limitations we are pleased with how Hitman: Absolution looks and performs. For the Switch 2 version we are not confirming resolution and frame rate yet, but players can expect sharper visuals and increased performance.
Nintendo Insider: Are there any plans to do Switch 2 upgrades for GRID Autosport, Alien Isolation, and Blood Money?
ES: We have nothing to announce right now, but you’re not the only person to ask that question… so we are aware of the interest!
Nintendo Insider: How much support do you get from Nintendo with promotion and development?
ES: Nintendo has usually been very supportive. The exact level of promotional and development support varies by game, but they have made bringing games to Switch and Switch 2 an easy decision.
Nintendo Insider: I enjoyed Company of Heroes on Switch, but a lot of the games you’ve brought to iPad and iPhone even with one coming in a few weeks in the form of Total War: NAPOLEON, I feel like these would be great on Switch 2 with touch + mouse control options. Are there any plans to bring over those?
VPG: When we consider porting a game, we have to predict any limitations and possible issues we might encounter, allowing for a more conscious decision of which platforms to support. Total War on Switch was not always an obvious fit, but with the Switch 2 that may not be the case.
Nintendo Insider: Is it safe to assume that any game you port to mobile will get a Switch 1 and 2 version in the future?
ES: Nice try, but no. Each game is evaluated for the pros and cons of porting it to a specific platform. To paraphrase a line from Jurassic Park — we try to make sure we’re never too preoccupied with whether or not we could, that we don’t stop to think if we should!
Nintendo Insider: How has the experience been for you with retail releases on Switch?
ES: Generally, it’s been very good; GRID Autosport and Alien: Isolation have sold particularly well. Switch players seem to appreciate the Switch-specific features we take the time to add, such as Gyro Aim, and support for analogue triggers on GameCube controllers.
Putting in the effort to have a game make best use of the capabilities of Switch, instead of just making a direct port, is important for offering a great experience on the platform.
Nintendo Insider: How do you like your coffee?
ES: Cappuccino, something medium roast from ground beans is my go to morning brew.
VPG: Italian blend, medium strength with almond milk and a Biscoff on the side.
