Overview
- Vanillaware has confirmed there are no current plans for a PC version of Unicorn Overlord.
- Atlus, the game’s publisher, has shown interest in a PC port, but the ultimate decision rests with Vanillaware.
A senior representative from Vanillaware has stated that a PC port of Unicorn Overlord is not in development. As a result, this highly praised tactical RPG will continue to be available exclusively on consoles for the time being, potentially indefinitely.
Historical Context of Vanillaware’s Development
Vanillaware has a long-standing tradition of focusing on single-platform game development. Prior to the release of Unicorn Overlord, their only venture into multi-platform territory was with Dragon’s Crown, which launched in 2013 for both the PS3 and PS Vita. The recent release of Unicorn Overlord marks a significant milestone, as it debuted across several platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch in March 2024. Despite this broader launch strategy, the game notably remains absent from the PC market, following the pattern set by Vanillaware’s previous titles, with the exception of their 2006 debut, Fantasy Earth Zero.
Director’s Insights on a Potential PC Port
When asked about the possibility of a PC version for Unicorn Overlord, game director Takafumi Noma recently stated in an interview with GamesRadar+ that there are no current plans for such a project. “We do not have any plans for a PC version at this time,”Noma remarked. This declaration follows a similar statement from producer Akiyasu Yamamoto, who had indicated nine months prior that a PC port was not being considered. Neither representative elaborated on the factors inhibiting the transition to PC.
The Desire for a PC Version from Atlus
During a March 2024 interview with Destructoid, Yamamoto expressed that while publisher Atlus would have preferred to see a PC port for Unicorn Overlord, the decision ultimately belonged to Vanillaware. Given that development of Unicorn Overlord spanned a decade, adding another platform could have overly strained the studio’s resources. However, it is plausible that a PC port could be managed by external developers, especially considering Atlus’s capacity as a major publisher and the resources available through its parent company, Sega.
Unicorn Overlord’s Success Despite Limited Availability
Despite the absence of a PC version, Unicorn Overlord has achieved remarkable commercial success. As of late September 2024, the game had surpassed one million in sales, just six months post-launch. Even if Vanillaware had not explicitly ruled out a PC port, the studio’s past suggests that such a possibility was always limited. To date, Vanillaware’s experience with ports is minimal, with only the Switch version of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim making it to another platform, three years following its PS4 release.
However, the successful multi-console launch of Unicorn Overlord hints at a potential evolution in Vanillaware’s approach to future releases, suggesting that they may increasingly consider multi-platform options. This trend may be influenced by Atlus’s recent strategic shifts, which have yielded positive outcomes.
Source: Destructoid