Chained Echoes Dev Files Lawsuit Against First Press Games

Creator of the popular indie RPG connected echo, Matthias Linda has officially decided to take legal action against his physical distribution partner. While the project has been noted as a critical success, some unexpected developments regarding the business partnership have recently come to light. The developer connected echo Now, it's taking a new direction to address long-standing issues that have affected fans of the game.

Developed by Linda over seven grueling years, the game was designed as a tribute to the Super Nintendo's 16-bit era. The game features a 30-40 hour story set in the war-torn continent of Valandis. There, a group of heroes attempt to bring peace to three feuding kingdoms. After launch in 2022, connected echo It has been praised as one of the most modern examples of the RPG genre, and has landed on many top ten lists for its innovative combat and deep character progression.

In the game Chained Echoes, a red-haired thief is looking out over the landscape of a dense medieval city.

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Chain Echo Review

Indie JRPG Chained Echoes combines classic inspirations from the genre while delivering a brilliant, well-crafted and original experience.

Two years of delay and broken promises

The dispute centers on the long delay in the actual launch of what was originally part of the crowdfunding campaign. In a direct update posted to Kickstarter on March 11, Linda revealed that it's been over two years since the boxed copy was released. connected echo Originally scheduled to ship, the developer is now terminating its contract with First Press Games (FPG) after the company failed to deliver the physical version promised to thousands of supporters. Despite the long wait, the only version that actually made it into players' hands is the standard PlayStation 4 edition. For those hoping for a Nintendo Switch or special collector's edition, the retailer's silence has been resolute.

“I am terminating my business relationship with FPG and preparing to file suit,” Linda said in the announcement. He explained that the choice to file suit was not made lightly but came after 'careful consideration' of the circumstances. Although specific legal details cannot be shared at this stage, the developer has made it clear that the lack of progress in 2026 is the last straw. First Press Games' reputation has been under scrutiny for some time, with many customers questioning the company's ability to fulfill backlog orders online.

Now that the business relationship has been severed, Linda's main focus has shifted to doing the right thing for her supporters. He's currently offering two main routes for those who backed the physical version during the Kickstarter campaign. The first option is for players to wait for a new physical version to be produced by another publisher. However, Linda warned that this could cause another significant delay, as new copies are unlikely to be manufactured until the legal battle with FPG is over.

Image showing how to hit a yak with a connected echo.

The second option for those who are impatient is a full refund. Linda has set up a dedicated email address (refund@chainedechoes.com) to process these claims. To receive a refund, backers must provide their name, ID number, and proof of order confirmation. The developer did mention that they will be rewarding people who upgrade their orders through the FPG Store using a voucher if their original order is linked to a Kickstarter campaign.

While the legal battle looms, the game itself continues to grow. A major expansion took place last summer. connected echo titled Ash of Elant It was released adding new regions and characters to the already massive world. The game continues to be available digitally on virtually all major platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Despite the drama surrounding the physical box, enthusiasm for the title remains constant.

Linda apologized for the “vague information” and the long wait and expressed regret for any frustration the situation had caused. As the lawsuit progresses, the community will be watching closely to see if the new partner can finally showcase this acclaimed RPG. For now, anyone looking to own the game is advised to stick to digital stores like Steam, GOG, or eShop.