The gaming world just took a massive hit. Your most anticipated upcoming games? They're not coming anytime soon.
2024 was supposed to be a landmark year for gaming, but instead, it's become the year of delays. From Grand Theft Auto VI to Hollow Knight: Silksong, major titles are shifting their release windows to 2025, leaving gamers worldwide frustrated and impatient.
Unfortunately, this isn't just affecting a few titles – we're tracking a staggering 25 high-profile games that have been pushed back. Development challenges, quality concerns, and optimization issues are certainly among the common reasons cited by studios. While delays often result in better final products, they still sting for players who've been counting down the days.
Let's dive into these postponed releases, their original dates, when you can finally play them, and specifically why each project needed extra time in development.
Grand Theft Auto VI
Arguably the most anticipated title in gaming history has slipped further away. Fans of the Grand Theft Auto franchise must exercise additional patience as Rockstar Games adjusts its timeline for the sixth mainline installment.
Grand Theft Auto VI original release date
The crime saga was originally slated for a Fall 2025 launch window, as revealed in a Take-Two financial report earlier in 2024. This announcement initially sent waves of excitement throughout the gaming community, marking the first concrete release timeframe since the game's development was confirmed.
Grand Theft Auto VI new release date
Rockstar has subsequently pushed the release to May 26, 2026. Although disappointing for eager fans, this specific date provides clarity compared to the previous vague "Fall 2025" window. Moreover, Take-Two's CEO has indicated that further delays appear unlikely, as historically "when we set a specific date, generally speaking, we've been very good about reaching it".
Grand Theft Auto VI reason for delay
According to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, the postponement allows Rockstar to "achieve its creative vision with no limitations". Furthermore, inside sources revealed the delay helps avoid "brutal crunch" for the development team. This additional development time enables proper polish on what aims to be a generation-defining title.
Grand Theft Auto VI developer commentary
In their official statement, Rockstar apologized: "We are very sorry that this is later than you expected". They emphasized their commitment to exceeding expectations, noting "we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve". Zelnick fully endorsed this approach, stating that supporting teams "in their search for perfection" remains paramount.
Grand Theft Auto VI platform availability
The game will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Notably absent is a PC version, following Rockstar's established pattern of delayed PC releases. This exclusivity has frustrated PC gamers, many of whom face either purchasing a console or waiting potentially a year or longer for a PC port.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
The cult vampire RPG sequel continues its troubled development saga. This long-awaited follow-up to the 2004 classic has faced numerous obstacles since its announcement.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 original release date
First revealed in 2019, Bloodlines 2 was initially targeted for Q1 2020. The game subsequently faced multiple postponements—to late 2020, then 2021, followed by an indefinite delay after developer Hardsuit Labs was removed from the project.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 new release date
After The Chinese Room took over development, the release was set for Fall 2024, then early 2025. Currently, the game is officially scheduled for October 2025.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 reason for delay
Despite being "in a late development stage", the team opted to prioritize technical quality over meeting earlier deadlines. The Chinese Room is primarily focused on quality assurance, ensuring the game is "stable and free of bugs that could disrupt the player experience". Additionally, developers are using the extra time to expand content, including "doubling the number of possible endings".
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 developer commentary
Executive Producer Marco Behrmann stated, "The status of the game right now is that the game is done". Nevertheless, the team is dedicating their efforts to "bug fixing, stability, and performance".
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 platform availability
The vampire saga will launch on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, alongside Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles.
Crimson Desert
Pearl Abyss's open-world action-adventure has traveled a long and winding road to release, transforming significantly from its original concept.
Crimson Desert original release date
First announced in November 2019, Crimson Desert was originally targeted for Winter 2021. Consequently, the game faced multiple postponements, shifting to Winter 2022 and thereafter to Q2 2024.
Crimson Desert new release date
Presently, the title is officially scheduled for "late 2025". Ultimately, a Korean report claimed a tentative November 2, 2025 release date, though Pearl Abyss has not officially confirmed this specific date.
Crimson Desert reason for delay
Pearl Abyss cited the need for "more time to add new ideas for an even deeper, more enriching game". Additionally, the developers aim to create "the best possible experience" while ensuring team health and safety. The extra development time allows for final optimization and polish.
Crimson Desert developer commentary
The team stated the game is "rapidly evolving with new adventures and exciting experiences". As of Q1 2024, development had entered its "last stages" with a playable demo planned for Gamescom 2024.
Crimson Desert platform availability
The game will launch simultaneously worldwide on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC via Steam
- macOS
Interestingly, Pearl Abyss declined Sony's offer for exclusive distribution rights.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
The troubled remake of Ubisoft's classic action-adventure has become one of gaming's most notable development ordeals, spanning years of setbacks and restarts.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time original release date
Originally announced in September 2020, the remake was initially scheduled for a January 21, 2021 release. After receiving criticism for its reveal trailer, the date shifted to March 2021, before being postponed indefinitely.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time new release date
Currently, the remake is expected to launch in early 2026, specifically between January and March. Ubisoft confirmed in its earnings documents that the game will release during its business year ending March 2026.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time reason for delay
The primary causes behind the extensive delays include quality concerns and technical difficulties with the Anvil Engine. Ubisoft eventually changed studios and completely restarted development, shifting from Ubisoft Pune and Mumbai to Ubisoft Montreal.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time developer commentary
Regarding the project status, Ubisoft stated they are "still deep in the game—exploring, building, and ensuring the sands move with purpose". The team describes it as "a love letter to the original" that they're "literally remaking from the ground up".
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time platform availability
Ultimately, no platforms have been officially confirmed, yet a Nintendo Switch version was referenced at one stage.
Replaced
Sad Cat Studios' visually striking 2.5D sci-fi platformer has captivated audiences with its pixel art esthetics yet faces ongoing development hurdles.
Replaced original release date
First revealed during E3 2021, REPLACED initially targeted a 2022 release window. However, the game encountered its first postponement in May 2022, primarily due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine significantly affecting the Belarus and Ukraine-based development team.
Replaced new release date
After pushing the release to 2023 and subsequently to 2024, Sad Cat Studios officially announced in August 2024 that REPLACED would now launch in 2025. Notably, one report suggests a possible further delay to 2026, although this remains unconfirmed by the developers.
Replaced reason for delay
Sad Cat Studios acknowledged their "initial release date was optimistic" and emphasized that developing REPLACED presents "quite a unique challenge". Therefore, the team requires additional time to meet their self-imposed high standards and fulfill fan expectations.
Replaced developer commentary
"We're proud to be creating something that special," the studio stated. In addition, they reassured fans by announcing that despite the delay, REPLACED would be playable at Gamescom, adding that something "special" awaited those unable to attend the event.
Replaced platform availability
Upon release, REPLACED will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Likewise, it will launch day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Arc Raiders
Embark Studios' extraction shooter has faced a lengthy development path since its spectacular reveal at The Game Awards in 2021. This multiplayer PvPvE title has undergone significant transformations throughout its journey.
Arc Raiders original release date
Formerly a free-to-play cooperative shooter, Arc Raiders was initially targeted for a 2022 launch. After prioritizing resources for The Finals, Embark subsequently delayed the game to 2023. At that point, the team announced they would use the extra time to "expand the experience, and allow it to reach its fullest potential".
Arc Raiders new release date
After shifting from purely PvE to a PvPvE extraction shooter, Arc Raiders is officially scheduled to release on October 30, 2025. This date was unveiled during Summer Game Fest 2025, with Embark confirming a simultaneous launch across all platforms.
Arc Raiders reason for delay
Primarily, the postponement allowed Embark to change the game's fundamental structure. Beyond this shift, the team identified "bugs to squash, as well as general polish and performance improvements". Basically, they needed time for "fine-tuning game balance and the player economy".
Arc Raiders developer commentary
Executive Producer Aleksander Grøndal stated, "The tech test was the best rehearsal we could get, ahead of what's shaping up as a big release this fall". He emphasized that at release, "the game will be further expanded, with more locations to explore".
Arc Raiders platform availability
Upon release, Arc Raiders will be available on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. PC players will also have the option to stream via NVIDIA GeForce Now.
The Wolf Among Us 2
Telltale's noir detective saga set in Fabletown has undoubtedly had one of gaming's most dramatic development journeys, including a complete studio shutdown and resurrection.
The Wolf Among Us 2 original release date
First announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2017, The Wolf Among Us 2 was originally scheduled for 2018. After initial development challenges, the release shifted to 2019. Following Telltale's closure in 2018, the project was temporarily canceled.
The Wolf Among Us 2 new release date
Currently scheduled for 2025, this represents multiple postponements from its re-announcement at The Game Awards 2019 and a previous target of 2023.
The Wolf Among Us 2 reason for delay
Primarily, the team switched from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5, requiring "redoing quite a bit of work". Additional factors include avoiding developer crunch and staff reductions in 2023.
The Wolf Among Us 2 developer commentary
"If we put this game out and it's not ready, we're going to get torn to shreds," explained Telltale CEO Jamie Ottilie. Nonetheless, Telltale affirms "development on The Wolf Among Us 2 continues".
The Wolf Among Us 2 platform availability
Upon release, the game will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via the Epic Games Store. Unlike traditional Telltale development, all episodes are being created simultaneously.
Ark 2
Studio Wildcard's dinosaur survival sequel stands as perhaps the most repeatedly postponed title in gaming, with its release date continually shifting into the distant future.
Ark 2 original release date
Following its 2020 announcement, Ark 2 was initially slated for a 2022 release. The game was subsequently pushed to 2023, then rescheduled for late 2024.
Ark 2 new release date
As of now, Studio Wildcard co-founder Jeremy Stieglitz has revealed they are "optimistic for a 2027 launch". At the very earliest, players might see an early access version "hopefully within the next two years", yet even this timeline remains uncertain.
Ark 2 reason for delay
The primary factor behind these postponements involves challenges with Unreal Engine 5 integration. In addition, the team put Ark 2 on hold to create Ark Survival Ascended, which helps them "further come to grips with Unreal Engine 5" while generating revenue.
Ark 2 developer commentary
Stieglitz admitted, "It's very difficult to do soulslike combat in a multiplayer PvP context", noting that "at least 18 months of focussed development work" would be needed after shifting resources back to Ark 2.
Ark 2 platform availability
Upon release, Ark 2 will launch exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC. The game will join Xbox Game Pass from day one, with PlayStation 5 likely following after the exclusivity period ends.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry's highly anticipated Metroidvania has become a symbol of endless patience for the gaming community, with fans creating countless memes about its protracted development cycle.
Hollow Knight: Silksong original release date
Originally conceived as downloadable content for the 2017 hit Hollow Knight, Silksong evolved into a full-scale sequel announced in February 2019. The game was subsequently targeted for release in the first half of 2023, following a promise at the 2022 Xbox & Bethesda showcase that it would arrive within 12 months.
Hollow Knight: Silksong new release date
Currently scheduled to release before December 24, 2025, Silksong's launch window was first hinted at during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in April 2025. Afterward, Team Cherry marketing manager Matthew Griffin clarified the game would arrive "BEFORE Holiday", specifically meaning before Christmas.
Hollow Knight: Silksong reason for delay
The primary factor behind these postponements is that the game has "gotten quite big", requiring additional development time. In essence, what began as DLC expanded so dramatically in scope that Team Cherry needs more time "to make the game as good as we can".
Hollow Knight: Silksong developer commentary
In January 2025, amid growing fan speculation, Griffin reassured the community that "the game is real, progressing and will release". Yet Team Cherry maintains their characteristic minimal communication approach, with only occasional updates confirming ongoing development.
Hollow Knight: Silksong platform availability
Upon release, the game will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC via Steam, GOG, and Humble Store. Notably, Silksong will join Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Cities: Skylines 2 (Consoles)
Colossal Order's city-building simulation faces unprecedented technical challenges in its console transition, with multiple postponements frustrating would-be console mayors.
Cities: Skylines 2 original release date
Initially, Paradox Interactive planned a simultaneous launch for Cities: Skylines II across all platforms in October 2023. This represented a departure from the original Cities: Skylines, which received its console version years after the PC release.
Cities: Skylines 2 new release date
Currently, there is no confirmed release date for the console version. Paradox explicitly stated in a 2025 update that "we will not have a release before summer". Even this timeline remains tentative, as the developers are avoiding "any premature estimates".
Cities: Skylines 2 reason for delay
Primarily, "hardware limitations of consoles" are causing frame rate drops and memory overload issues. Both simulation (CPU) and graphics (GPU) components struggle with the game's demands. Evidently, placing larger buildings overwhelms the system during calculation processes. The team achieved stability only by "significantly lowering the graphics quality"—a compromise they deemed unacceptable.
Cities: Skylines 2 developer commentary
Notwithstanding ongoing challenges, Colossal Order reports "steady progress" yet acknowledges "more things we need to address before we reach the level of quality" desired. Their goal remains bringing the game to console "in the best possible shape".
Cities: Skylines 2 platform availability
Upon eventual release, the city-builder will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
No Rest For The Wicked
Moon Studios' action RPG has weathered publishing challenges and technical hurdles on its journey to becoming a full-fledged release.
No Rest For The Wicked original release date
Moon Studios originally planned to launch No Rest For The Wicked in early access during the first quarter of 2023. The team ultimately pushed this window to Q1 Fiscal 2025 (April-June 2024), with the final early access release happening on April 18, 2024.
No Rest For The Wicked new release date
Currently, the full 1.0 version has no fixed launch date, with release planned "for some time after Early Access". The team has already delivered major updates, particularly "The Breach" update on April 30, 2025, which nearly doubled the game's world size.
No Rest For The Wicked reason for delay
According to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, the initial delay happened because they wanted "to give it a little more polish so it can be the best bet it can be". Primarily, Moon Studios aims to perfect their vision through the Early Access period.
No Rest For The Wicked developer commentary
"Early Access opens up the possibility that you could develop a game, have players play it already, and while you're taking in all the data, you could potentially perfect your vision," explained Thomas Mahler, Co-Founder and Creative Director. Correspondingly, the team sees Early Access as an opportunity to "polish absolutely everything".
No Rest For The Wicked platform availability
Currently available on PC via Steam Early Access, the game is planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S upon full release. Interestingly, recent comments from Moon Studios suggest PS5 might be prioritized at launch "given current market conditions".
Prison Architect 2
Paradox Interactive's prison management simulation makes a daring leap from 2D to 3D, yet stumbles through a series of increasingly complex development challenges.
Prison Architect 2 original release date
Regarding Paradox's ambitious sequel, the game was initially set to launch on March 26, 2024. The announcement generated considerable excitement, especially with the promise of advanced 3D graphics replacing the original's top-down 2D perspective.
Prison Architect 2 new release date
In effect, the game has faced multiple postponements—first to May 7, 2024, then to September 3, 2024, before being delayed indefinitely. Currently, Paradox cannot "commit to a new release date" as they need to "re-assess the scope of the work".
Prison Architect 2 reason for delay
Internal reviews and beta testing highlighted critical issues with performance and content quality. Specifically, memory usage problems and failures on minimum spec configurations prompted immediate attention. Paradox emphasized the need to "raise the quality" to meet standards worthy of the franchise's legacy.
Prison Architect 2 developer commentary
"Prison Architect is a game with deep systems that all interact with each other," explained Paradox, noting that "a small change in one area will also affect one or more other areas". Overall, the team remains "confident that delaying Prison Architect 2 is the best path forward".
Prison Architect 2 platform availability
Upon eventual release, the prison simulator will launch on PC via Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Little Nightmares III
Supermassive Games' atmospheric horror adventure reaches new heights with its third installment, building upon a franchise that has already sold an impressive 20 million units since its 2017 debut.
Little Nightmares III original release date
The haunting adventure was originally scheduled to launch in 2024. Throughout development, Supermassive Games maintained regular communication with eager fans, promising updates while remaining relatively secretive about gameplay specifics.
Little Nightmares III new release date
Currently, the game is officially set to release on October 10, 2025. Pre-orders have already begun on most platforms, with Nintendo Switch pre-orders starting at a later date.
Little Nightmares III reason for delay
Primarily, the postponement stems from quality concerns. "Quality is a top priority for us, and we know you feel the same way," explained the development team. Indeed, they emphasized wanting to ensure the game receives "the care and love it deserves".
Little Nightmares III developer commentary
"As much as we can't wait for you to return to the Nowhere, we also want to make sure we give the game the care and love it deserves," Supermassive stated. Regarding future updates, they promised to share more details during summer 2024.
Little Nightmares III platform availability
Upon release, the game will launch across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC via Steam and Xbox, plus Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Demonschool
Necrosoft Games' tactical RPG with stylistic nods to Persona and Italian horror cinema has quietly become one of 2023's most delayed titles, pushing further into the future with each announcement.
Demonschool original release date
This school-life strategy RPG initially targeted a 2023 release window. The developers subsequently set a more specific launch date—Friday, September 13, 2024—which thematically aligned with the game's horror influences.
Demonschool new release date
After postponing beyond its September date, Demonschool was rescheduled for early 2025. Yet this timeline proved insufficient, as the game has faced additional delays and is currently scheduled for Q3 2025. Given its multilingual support, the release will include English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese versions.
Demonschool reason for delay
The development team expressed that without the delay, players "would never have known" anything was missing. Throughout this process, their primary goal has been adding "more life and liveliness to the world", ensuring it becomes a game players can "hang out in" beyond the core demon-fighting mechanics.
Demonschool developer commentary
"After a few delays, we have finally shaped Demonschool into the game we set out to create," explained Brandon Sheffield, creative director at Necrosoft Games. In an earlier statement, the team acknowledged: "We don't want to play on anyone's sympathies, but it has been a difficult year, not as a team per se, but for each individual team member".
Demonschool platform availability
Upon release, the game will launch across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam/Epic Games Store/itch.io, plus macOS and Linux. The Windows Store version has likewise been confirmed.
Tales of the Shire
Wētā Workshop's cozy Hobbit life simulator invites players to experience a peaceful corner of Middle-earth, yet the journey to Bywater has taken longer than anticipated.
Tales of the Shire original release date
Prior to any delays, Private Division had initially targeted a 2024 release window for Tales of the Shire. Throughout development, the game encountered multiple postponements, with the most recent schedule pointing to a March 25, 2025 launch date.
Tales of the Shire new release date
Currently, the game is officially scheduled to release on July 29, 2025. This specific date was announced after the developers decided another delay was necessary to ensure quality across all platforms.
Tales of the Shire reason for delay
The primary reason behind the postponement is to ensure "the same cozy experience" is available regardless of which system players choose. According to insider reports, the Nintendo Switch port proved "particularly tricky to get running smoothly". Meanwhile, the team needed additional time for quality assurance across all platforms.
Tales of the Shire developer commentary
In their delay announcement, the developers stated they want the game "to feel like a warm hug from Middle-earth". Additionally, they emphasized that "from foot-hair styles to the fluffiest cakes, every detail will be just right". Throughout development, team members have expressed genuine enthusiasm, with one developer noting, "I could genuinely spend hours playing my own video game".
Tales of the Shire platform availability
Upon release, the game will launch simultaneously on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Each version will require approximately 1.6 GB of storage space.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Bushiroad's anime-based fighting game brings the popular manga series to life with stylized combat, yet technical considerations pushed the title beyond its initial timeline.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact original release date
First revealed at Jump Festa 2023 on December 15, Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact initially targeted a January 2024 release. Throughout early promotion, the game was positioned as "the first full-scale HUNTER×HUNTER fighting game" with considerable anticipation from the anime community.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact new release date
With regards to the revised schedule, the 2.5D fighter will officially launch on July 17, 2025. Pre-orders have already begun, offering platform-specific bonuses including alternate character colors and early access rights.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact reason for delay
Chiefly, developers postponed the release to implement rollback netcode—a system that "reduces the feeling of connection delay when playing online matches". Given the competitive nature of fighting games, this technology was deemed essential for proper enjoyment.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact developer commentary
"We made this decision out of concern that players would not be able to fully enjoy the game," the team explained, apologizing for "the trouble caused by this delay".
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact platform availability
The game will release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam, with Bushiroad publishing in Japan and Arc System Works handling worldwide distribution. Surprisingly, cross-platform play will not be supported.
John Carpenter's Toxic Commando
Legendary horror filmmaker John Carpenter's foray into gaming brings a unique twist to the zombie co-op shooter genre, yet even his Hollywood clout couldn't prevent development setbacks.
Toxic Commando original release date
First unveiled during Summer Game Fest 2023, John Carpenter's Toxic Commando was initially targeted for a 2024 release window. The game quickly generated interest as a 4-player zombie-centric FPS developed by Saber Interactive in the vein of Left 4 Dead. Throughout 2023, Focus Entertainment maintained this timeline while revealing minimal gameplay details beyond the initial announcement trailer.
Toxic Commando new release date
Currently, the game will now release no earlier than April 2025. This represents a significant shift from the original schedule, with Focus Entertainment confirming the postponement in a community update. Given this extended timeline, the game faces mounting competition from other upcoming zombie co-op shooters.
Toxic Commando reason for delay
Focus Entertainment cited that "additional development time will allow the game to reach its full potential and offer a high-quality experience." Essentially, player feedback highlighted opportunities to create something truly exceptional, requiring more development resources. Within this context, the delay became necessary to deliver on the promised "buddy-movie vibes and over-the-top humor, action, and horror" inspired by classic 80s cinema.
Toxic Commando developer commentary
"Your feedback highlighted the potential to create something truly special," stated Focus Entertainment, "and we're committed to making Toxic Commando a game that will be worth the wait." Furthermore, they promised to keep fans "updated about the game journey in the upcoming months."
Toxic Commando platform availability
Upon release, the game will launch on PC via Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. The title runs on Saber Interactive's proprietary Swarm Engine and will feature online co-op multiplayer functionality.
Fable
Playground Games' ambitious revival of the beloved fantasy RPG franchise represents a striking departure from their racing game expertise, yet faces familiar industry hurdles.
Fable original release date
First unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase in July 2020, Fable was positioned as a "new beginning" for the franchise. Throughout development, Microsoft maintained a 2025 release window, officially confirming this target in June 2024.
Fable new release date
Currently, the game is officially scheduled for 2026. This postponement was announced by Xbox Game Studios lead Craig Duncan in February 2025 during the Official Xbox Podcast. Even though certain rumors suggest a potential further slip to 2027, Microsoft has not confirmed any additional delays.
Fable reason for delay
Principally, the extra development time allows Playground Games to "give Fable more time" and deliver their creative vision at the highest quality. Given that this represents the first mainline Fable game since 2010's Fable 3, the stakes for delivering a polished experience remain exceptionally high.
Fable developer commentary
"While I know that's not maybe the news people want to hear, what I want to assure people of is that it's definitely worth the wait," stated Craig Duncan. He expressed "unequivocal confidence in the Playground team," highlighting their track record of "critically acclaimed, 92 Metacritic, award-winning" Forza Horizon games.
Fable platform availability
Upon release, the game will launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10/11 PCs. Notably, it will be available day one with Game Pass. As with other recent Microsoft titles, there remains speculation about potential PlayStation releases after an exclusivity period.
Conclusion
Gaming enthusiasts certainly face disappointment as this unprecedented wave of delays reshapes the industry's release calendar. Most anticipated titles now sit firmly in 2025 or beyond, leaving 2024 notably lighter than expected. Nevertheless, these postponements ultimately serve a greater purpose. Developers consistently cite quality concerns and technical challenges as primary reasons behind their decisions to delay, whether switching to newer engine technology or avoiding employee burnout.
The gaming community might feel frustrated about waiting longer for titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, Hollow Knight: Silksong, or Fable. However, history has repeatedly shown that rushed games rarely meet expectations, while delayed games eventually deliver more polished experiences. Studios across the industry appear to have embraced this philosophy, prioritizing final product quality over arbitrary deadlines.
Undoubtedly, some projects face more significant hurdles than others. Cities: Skylines 2 struggles with console hardware limitations, whereas Ark 2 might not arrive until 2027 due to Unreal Engine 5 integration challenges. Meanwhile, games like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time underwent complete development restarts, essentially becoming new projects.
These delays also reveal shifting industry standards. Players now expect more ambitious, technically impressive experiences, pushing developers to extend timelines accordingly. Though waiting proves difficult, the alternative—broken, unfinished releases—damages both player trust and studio reputations.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises an extraordinary lineup of major releases across all platforms. Patient gamers will likely find themselves rewarded with experiences that match or exceed their expectations. Until then, the substantial backlog of existing games offers plenty of opportunities to discover overlooked gems while waiting for these delayed blockbusters to finally arrive.