Acclaimed RPG Chained Echoes’ Creator Is Suing Its Publisher because Its Physical Edition Still Isn’t Here Two Years Later

Why It Matters

The lawsuit underscores the fulfillment risks inherent in crowdfunded physical game projects and could erode backer confidence in future campaigns. It also highlights the critical need for reliable publishing partners when indie studios scale from digital to physical releases.

Key Takeaways

• Kickstarter raised €130,409 from 4,500 backers.
• Physical edition delayed over two years, only PS4 released.
• Creator sues First Press Games, ends partnership.
• Backers can wait for new publisher or request refunds.
• Game holds Metacritic 90, top‑5 of 2022.

Pulse Analysis

*Chained Echoes* captured gamers’ attention with its 16‑bit aesthetic, deep narrative, and turn‑based combat, earning a Metacritic 90 and a spot among the year’s best titles. The project’s Kickstarter in early 2019 surpassed its goal, securing €130,409 from more than 4,500 supporters who anticipated both digital and a suite of physical editions. After the digital launch in December 2022, the promised collector’s, retro, and platform‑specific packages became a central selling point, driving continued community engagement and pre‑order momentum.

The physical rollout, however, stalled. First Press Games, tasked with manufacturing and distribution, received Sony and Nintendo approvals by late 2023 but failed to ship any of the 13 variants beyond a standard PS4 version. In June 2024 the creator, Matthias Linda, warned backers of the delay; by early 2026 he announced termination of the contract and a pending lawsuit. Backers now face a binary choice: wait for a new publisher to resurrect the physical line or claim refunds limited to original Kickstarter contributors. The legal dispute adds uncertainty to the fulfillment timeline and raises questions about contractual safeguards.

For the broader indie ecosystem, this episode serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of translating digital success into physical products. Crowdfunded projects often rely on third‑party manufacturers, making rigorous due diligence and clear penalty clauses essential. The fallout could dampen enthusiasm for future physical‑edition pledges, prompting creators to favor digital‑first strategies or to partner with established, transparent fulfillment firms. Ultimately, the resolution of Linda’s lawsuit may set a precedent for how Kickstarter‑backed games negotiate publisher relationships and protect backer investments.