It appears that Nintendo Switch Online members are beginning to share information about the company's future Playtest Program, despite Nintendo's pleas for confidentiality. This suggests that the Big N's mystery project might be an MMO game. If these reports are accurate, Nintendo may be making its first serious attempt at a massively multiplayer online experience. Fans were thrilled when the company announced earlier this month that it will be testing out a new feature for its Nintendo Switch Online service.

About 10,000 users who have purchased an Expansion Pass tier of the service will be eligible to participate in the Nintendo Switch Online Playtest Program, which is scheduled to run from 23rd October to 5th November. Beyond these details, Nintendo has only described it as a "new feature" without revealing what would be tested. Gamers have not been deterred by this lack of information, which may have contributed to the fact that all of the Playtest Program places were filled in less than a minute. According to reports, Nintendo has asked participants to keep all knowledge regarding the functionality under evaluation private in advance of the test.

Nintendo is reportedly working on an MMO game where the primary goal is for players to cooperate in order to "fully 'develop' a massive, expansive planet," according to allegations from publications like The Verge and Kotaku. They accomplish this by placing "Beacons" that establish zones and enhance the surroundings; the ultimate objective is to cover the planet-representative sphere-shaped grid with beacons. In addition to these Beacon zones, players can visit the "Dev Core," a social center where they can engage with other players, level up their characters, and get things. They will probably be able to try this out to some degree during the Nintendo Switch Online Playtest Program.

Leaks From The Switch Online Playtest Program Indicate Nintendo's First MMO

Players will be able to modify their Beacons to a certain degree in this Nintendo Switch MMO, but they won't be able to do the same in other players' zones, suggesting that customization is a major feature. Although users must complete an in-game test to demonstrate that they "understand the importance of respectful communication" before they can access these tools, Nintendo also outlines features for sharing custom material.

It appears that Nintendo's massively multiplayer online game may resemble a cross between Roblox and Minecraft, with thousands of people possibly creating the in-game environment and exchanging unique material. It will be interesting to observe how things develop when the Playtest Program is over because such a game would undoubtedly stand out from the company's typical lineup of games.