While serving as a simple hobby, video game development involves a complex and strict process. Both financial and planning aspects need meticulous attention to detail. Despite best efforts, game studios occasionally postpone the release of games. This was no less true for 2023, with many games initially slated for release this year pushed to 2024. Here are some of the significant video games delayed to 2024.
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Skull and Bones
Ubisoft’s pirate-themed game, Skull and Bones, is expected to hit the shelves in 2024. The prolonged development period has eroded the players’ faith in the game. While it’s understandable for developers to seek extra time for refinement, an 11-year development phase does raise eyebrows. The future trajectory of the game post the closed beta in August remains to be seen.
New Release Date: Fiscal Year 2024
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, another victim of consecutive delays, has lost favour with players. Initially slated for a 2022 release, the game was pushed back to 2023 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only to be delayed for nine more months. The usual reasoning for developers needing more time is mentioned, but whether the final version will regain the players’ interest remains to be seen.
New Release Date: February 2, 2024
Homeworld 3
Gearbox Entertainment’s Homeworld 3’s delay seems more acceptable. The science fiction strategy game reportedly requires more time to finish. Though the reason for the delay may sound cliché, we still harbour high hopes for H3. The prospect of an excellent real-time strategy game by February 2024 might make the wait worthwhile, given the many game releases in the latter half of 2023.
New Release Date: February 2024
The Wolf Among Us 2
The eagerly awaited sequel from Telltale Games, The Wolf Among Us 2, is another title to join the postponed bandwagon. The reasoning remains the same – developers require more time. However, there’s a silver lining in this delay: The game is being upgraded from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5, possibly ensuring a visually superior gaming experience once it releases. So yes — it is one of the games delayed to 2024.
New Release Date: 2024
ARK 2
ARK 2, surprisingly featuring Vin Diesel in the lead, has been significantly delayed to the end of 2024. This decision stems from the developer team’s familiarisation with Unreal Engine 5. There seems to be a planning hiccup, as the end of 2024 will see the early access release of ARK 2, not the final version. The situation is perplexing at best, but anticipation builds for the UE5 developed remaster of the first game for now.
New Release Date: End of 2024
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Perhaps the most disheartening delay news comes from Hollow Knight: Silksong. Initially planned for release in early 2023, it has been delayed indefinitely. While Team Cherry may spring a surprise, likely, this Metroidvania-type game may only see the light of day in late 2024.
New Release Date: TBA (But probably 2024)
Pragmata
Lastly, Capcom’s Pragmata is making this list for the wrong reasons. Despite its announcement three years back, little is known about the game. The sparse gameplay snippets are far from stirring excitement. The latest delay, needing a concrete date, adds to the uncertainty. While 2024 seems reasonable, another delay might see us losing track altogether.
New Release Date: TBA (But probably 2024)
The games delayed to 2024 are like this for now. We will continue to update this list regularly if new postponement announcements come in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Every Video Game Getting Delayed?
Video game delays are typically due to three main factors. The first pertains to the adaptation of new technologies. At present, many studios are grappling with Unreal Engine 5, which is still in the learning phase for them.
The second factor involves global events that impact human lives and the economy, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. This largely explains the rescheduling of games initially set for a 2022 release. The final factor is the escalating production values. Given the heightened standards, game development has become far more complex.
Will 2023 Be a Good Year for Gaming?
Absolutely — 2023 is poised to be a standout year for gaming. With the year not even halfway through, many fantastic games have already hit the market. Titles like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Resident Evil 4 remake, Street Fighter 6, Diablo 4, Dead Space remake, and Hi-Fi Rush are all set to wow gamers.
The second half promises to be equally thrilling. If Starfield and Stalker 2 live up to the hype, 2023 will undoubtedly carve out a special place.
Will ARK 2 Be Free?
No — ARK 2 is not expected to be free-to-play at its launch. Just like its predecessor, we anticipate the sequel to come with a price. Though we predict it won’t command a total cost of $70, given its slated early access release in late 2024, it won’t be a free-to-play game. So, it would help if you shelled out some cash to indulge in this next-generation survival game.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
