Back in 2011, way before Splatoon was known to the world, Nintendo approached the developer of Wii FPS The Conduit to co-create a non-violent water pistol shooter as a first-party exclusive. However, leaks at the studio quickly led to the project’s cancellation.
Details of the surprising collaboration have been unearthed in a new Game History Secrets video from DidYouKnowGaming, which spoke to sources claiming to be familiar with the workings of The Conduit studio High Voltage at the time.
The Conduit, of course, was widely hyped prior to release, having tantalised Wii owners with a flashy tech demo – featuring visuals somewhat ahead of the console’s usual fare – and for the simple fact that it was pitched as a hardcore shooter on a machine that was considered to lack more traditional-style games. Its success, if not its critical reception, caught Nintendo’s eye.
Source: Eurogamer Prior to Splatoon, Nintendo asked Wii FPS The Conduit developer to make a water gun shooter