Nintendo shares a detailed statement on the impact the pandemic has had on development, says schedules may be impacted

A few weeks back, we shared a statement from Shinya Takahashi, General Manager of Nintendo EPD, concerning the impact of the pandemic on Nintendo's development schedules. It read as follows...

While product development is a little behind schedule in some areas due to the impact of COVID-19, game releases planned for this fiscal year are currently not affected. However, if the impact of COVID-19 is prolonged or becomes more severe, we may not be able to release future titles in line with existing plans.

Thanks to Nintendo's 2020 Report, we now have a more detailed explanation of how the pandemic could make things difficult for certain projects to move ahead. Read the full statement below.

Development schedules may be impacted due to the difference in development environment between working from home and in the office since teleworking is implemented at the Company and its partners. As a result, we may not be able to proceed with the release of Nintendo products and the start of services as planned.

Nintendo will continue to conduct business operations by taking necessary measures so that it can continue to provide an environment in which consumers can enjoy its products and services, while giving due consideration to the health and safety of its consumers and employees

Now keep in mind that while Japan is moving more towards a return to normal, things aren't there yet. There's still work to be done and special precautions that need to be taken. The stress on Nintendo's work is easing, but hasn't returned to how it was before the pandemic. How this all impacts specific titles and projects remains to be seen.