Rolando almost removed from App Store

by JC Fletcher { Jun 30th 2009 at 11:15AM }

This weekend, ngmoco announced plans to remove the original Rolando from the iPhone/iPod Touch App Store, to allow the sequel to launch on July 1 without competition from its own predecessor. However, in response to a fan outcry, the company has decided not to delist the platformer.

Before the announcement of the change of plan, Offworld's Brandon Boyer speculated that the delisting was designed to create "artificial scarcity" for the title, and enticing one final rush of downloads before the game disappeared -- and then making the title available once again when the sequel's sales dropped.

In addition to canceling the removal of Rolando, ngmoco has reinstated Topple to the App Store, a game that had also been removed to make room for its own sequel.

Tags: app-store, iphone, ngmoco, rolando, rolando-2

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

jynxycat @ Jun 30th 2009 11:21AM

Fan outcry ? If they're fans, they already have the first one.

If you haven't got the first one, you never will at this point :P

Shiaoran @ Jun 30th 2009 12:19PM

Ok, intresting news, but now I'd really like to know who's that in your avatar. ;)

Shiaoran @ Jul 1st 2009 6:12PM

FYI, that wasn't a joke :P

InFaMoUs1- @ Jun 30th 2009 11:22AM

Topple was awesome!! I didn't like Rolando so much reminded me too much of LocoRoco

Pumapayam @ Jun 30th 2009 11:37AM

- Timeline:

1. - Joystiq posts some article about Rolando

2. - Article has nothing to do with LocoRoco

3. - User posts a comment that Rolando is just a copy of LocoRoco

4. - Rinse and Repeat

primetime4 @ Jun 30th 2009 11:53AM

5. - Pumapayam makes an ass out of himself.

I don't think anyone said it was "just a copy" but if you can't see the similarities between the two games than you truly do not get it.

Lunastra78 (PSN: lunastra78) @ Jun 30th 2009 11:56AM

5. Someone makes a list

Zerokku @ Jun 30th 2009 11:59AM

5. ?????
6. Profit!

Lunastra78 (PSN: lunastra78) @ Jun 30th 2009 11:59AM

Damn, seems I was late for the ...list-party

Pumapayam @ Jun 30th 2009 12:15PM

***** @ primetime4 *****

The whole "LocoRolandoco" comparison is just played out and tired now.

My comment was to mention that "Yes, we ALL see the similarities!" Get over it and move on.

It's like people think they are the only ones to have noticed that similarity and are compelled to post a comment about it on every freaking Rolando article.

Both are great games.

So yes, "I DO get it", but we don't need to constantly hear about it in each Rolando post, but your so dense you did not get the sarcasm in my list.

Marty @ Jun 30th 2009 11:28AM

Artificial scarcity? No, they just didn't want to gut their own sales. People need to stop being a bunch of crybabies about this stuff and realize that these guys are trying to run a business.

Roto13 @ Jun 30th 2009 11:49AM

That makes no sense at all. 1) If people are only going to buy one of the two, why does it matte which one it is? 2) People are more likely to buy the second one of they've played an enjoyed the first one, and 3) A lot of people who DO start with number 2 will want to be able to go back and play number 1.

WINterfang @ Jun 30th 2009 11:33AM

Rowhatnow?

flameofdoom666 @ Jun 30th 2009 11:37AM

I have a few Rolando downloadable tokens for the iTunes store. Message me I you want to swap it for something.

Currently I am seeking things like Pepsi bottlecaps (that are from the Rockband promotion. They are yellow and occasionally red). Also, XBL arcade or marketplace codes are cool too.

Reply to this, and hopefully we can work something out.

I am also on CAG (as the same name), if interested.

Girugamuk (Moptimus Slimed) @ Jun 30th 2009 12:24PM

I've got some belly button lint and a dead pigeon, but im willing to go as high as 2 dead pigeons

The_Punisher @ Jun 30th 2009 1:03PM

Uh....THEY'RE FREE

(At Best Buy)

(I'm a CAG too, The_Punisher, don't be cheating poor little Joystiq'ers :P)

Sly @ Jun 30th 2009 2:07PM

umm, i have 3 chuck e cheese tokens and a broken bud lite bottle. is this suitable?

Sly @ Jun 30th 2009 2:08PM

@The_Punisher

how do you get em?

rTwelve @ Jun 30th 2009 2:13PM

I SWEAR I'M HAVING DEJA VU

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/peggle-iphone-ipod-touch-only-1-for-a-limited-time/comments/19359100/

OH, RIGHT.

:P

JoeTheBlow @ Jun 30th 2009 11:47AM

Something like this happened with the once-brilliant Aurora Feint.
Free from day one, brilliant, then the pay-sequel comes out and they silently put out an update that morphs your AF1 into an advert and nag-screen packed lite version of the sequel. They also whipped Aurora Feint 1 from the store to stop us getting it back.

Scares the hell outta me.