**Chained Echoes: Debate Over Physical Copies and Legal Proceedings**
Launched through Kickstarter in 2019 and made available digitally in 2022, the nostalgic RPG *Chained Echoes* has won over fans, drawing parallels to classics like *Chrono Trigger* while carving out its own unique narrative and gameplay style. Created by Matthias Linda, the lone developer behind Umami Tiger, *Chained Echoes* has become a center of controversy as Linda announced the end of his partnership with First Press Games, the entity tasked with producing physical copies of the game, and is gearing up for a lawsuit due to unresolved issues concerning backers’ orders.
The Kickstarter initiative for *Chained Echoes* kicked off on February 5, 2019, reaching its funding target by March 2 of the same year. Even with positive critical acclaim and completing its digital launch on December 8, 2022, the promised physical editions for backers have remained a major issue. The Kickstarter stretch goals included physical copies for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC, all of which were achieved. Nevertheless, according to recent communications from Linda, only the PlayStation 4 editions have been dispatched to backers, leaving numerous supporters unhappy.
In an emotional update shared on Kickstarter, Linda conveyed his disappointment regarding the matter. He pointed out that the approval for the physical editions was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2023, but no physical copies, except for those of the PlayStation 4, had been sent out. He emphasized, “It’s been a bit over 2 years since First Press Games was supposed to release the physical copies, and as of 2026, nothing has arrived except the standard PlayStation 4 edition.”
The problems with First Press Games appear to be widespread rather than sporadic. Reports have emerged from various indie creators who have faced similar difficulties in fulfilling orders, raising questions about the reliability of First Press Games. Despite ongoing grievances, the company continues to allow consumers to place orders for the physical versions of *Chained Echoes* on their website, which adds complications for those who backed the Kickstarter project.
Linda clarified the refund situation for backers who upgraded their purchases through First Press Games’ store. He explained that only those who utilized Kickstarter vouchers would be eligible for reimbursement, highlighting the gap between Kickstarter contributors and independent buyers of the game.
Although the legal proceedings may require time to progress, they underline the persistent challenges within the indie game publishing sector, especially regarding the delivery of physical rewards. As the situation evolves, the future of *Chained Echoes*’ physical copies remains uncertain, with backers eagerly anticipating resolution and clarity regarding their contributions.
