Game delays have become even more prevalent in 2021 — and it's not just because of COVID. With the pandemic (and other factors) still affecting how studios operate for the foreseeable future, that trend will likely continue throughout the year.
To track the pandemic’s continued impact on game development, we’ve compiled a list of every game and notable DLC delay officially announced this year (no reports or rumors). This article will be updated as more release dates and windows are inevitably pushed, but for now, here are all 52 delays announced in 2021.
Developer People Can Fly announced the delay in early January, saying, “We have decided to move the release date of Outriders to April 1st 2021 (no joke!). We will spend this extra time fine tuning the game and focusing on delivering a fantastic play experience at launch.”
This is Outriders’ second delay; it was previously pushed from Holiday 2020 to February 2021.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC | Developer: People Can Fly
Pragmata’s delay was quietly revealed at the end of a sizzle reel shown during Sony’s 2021 CES panel. Capcom’s mysterious new game was initially given a 2022 release window.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: Capcom
Frontier Developments delayed its upcoming Elite Dangerous expansion due to the “ongoing impact of the pandemic.” The studio said the effects of the pandemic, “including the [U.K.’s] renewed lockdowns in 2021, continues to put added pressure on our teams and ultimately our development timeline.”
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Frontier Developments
On January 13 Portkey Games announced it was delaying its open-world Harry Potter action-RPG by a year. “Creating the best possible experience for all of the Wizarding World and gaming fans is paramount to us so we are giving the game the time it needs,” read a statement from the developer.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developers: Portkey Games, Avalanche Software
CD Projekt Red initially planned to begin releasing free Cyberpunk 2077 DLC in early 2021. However, that DLC may no longer hit its target window, as the developer has prioritized “working on the most important fixes and updates,” specifically for the poorly optimized PS4 and Xbox One versions of Cyberpunk.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC | Developer: CD Projekt Red
On January 14 Ubisoft announced it was delaying Riders Republic from its former February release date to sometime “later” in 2021. “This additional time will allow our passionate team to deliver the best fun fueled experience to our players,” said the company.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC | Developer: Ubisoft Annecy
Originally set to be released later this year, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum will now arrive at some point in 2022. Publisher Nacon announced the new date for the stealth-focused Middle-earth adventure in late January, though it didn’t provide a reason for the delay.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Developer: Daedalic Entertainment
Returnal was pushed from mid-March to late April “to give the team extra time to continue to polish the game to the level of quality players expect from Housemarque.” The roguelike third-person shooter will be released exclusively on PS5.
Platform: PS5 | Developer: Housemarque
The first game delay announced in February, and the ninth overall for the year, was Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. According to Ubisoft, the extra development time will allow the team "to deliver a remake that feels fresh while remaining faithful to the original." A new release window wasn't announced until June, when Ubisoft confirmed the remake is targeting 2022.
This is the remake's second delay; it was previously pushed from January to March.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Ubisoft
In mid-February, Amazon announced it was delaying its upcoming MMO, New World, from spring to August 31. The development team will use the additional months to continue its work on "compelling end-game features," in addition to "polishing and fine tuning the whole game."
This was New World's second delay; it was previously pushed from August 25, 2020, to Spring 2021. A third delay was announced following its open beta, with the release date shifting from August 31 to September 28.
Platform: PC | Developer: Amazon Game Studios
Paradox Interactive delayed Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 out of its 2021 release window without announcing a new target date. Alongside the delay, the publisher announced Hardsuit Labs will no longer be leading development on the project. "A change" was needed, according to Paradox, "and, as a result, more development time is required."
Originally slated for Q1 2020, Bloodlines 2's troubled development has included multiple delays and departures of key talent, including the game's former creative director and senior narrative designer.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Hardsuit Labs (until February 2021); new developer TBA
GT7 was delayed from 2021 to 2022 due to "Covid-related production challenges," according to Sony. "With the ongoing pandemic, it’s a dynamic and changing situation and some critical aspects of game production have been slowed over the past several months," the company added.
Platform: PS5, PS4 | Developer: Polyphony Digital
EA delayed the next, currently untitled Need for Speed from FY2022 to FY2023 as developer Criterion Games temporarily moves off the upcoming racer to assist DICE on the next Battlefield — a decision made to combat the effects of pandemic-related working conditions and ensure EA's flagship shooter hits its target Holiday 2021 release window.
*EA's fiscal year runs from April through the following March, meaning the next Need for Speed is now expected between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One | Developer: Criterion Games
Guilty Gear Strive was delayed by two months after developer Arc System Works received "valuable feedback" from the recent open beta. The additional time will be used "to polish some aspects of the game, such as the online lobbies and the server's stability," according to the developer.
The fighting game was previously delayed out of 2020 due to COVID-19-related development challenges.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Arc System Works
The Borderlands 3 Director's Cut add-on was delayed by three weeks due to the "severe weather that impacted Texas last month," according to developer Gearbox. The Director's Cut content includes a new raid boss, story missions, and challenges.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC | Developer: Gearbox Software
WB Games delayed Gotham Knights into 2022 to give the development team "more time to deliver the best possible experience for players." Announced in 2020 at DC Fandome, the co-op Batman game was initially given a 2021 release window.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: WB Games Montreal
SEGA and developer Amplitude have announced the delay of 4X strategy game Humankind to a little later in 2021 in order to give the developers time to finetune the pacing, balance, diplomacy, AI, and accessibility of the experience.
Platforms: PC, Stadia | Developer: Amplitude Studios
The Left 4 Dead spiritual successor Back 4 Blood has been pushed into October to allow the devs at Turtle Rock Studios time to deliver "the best game it can possibly be at launch." There will be an open beta this summer, though.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Turtle Rock Studios
The upcoming LEGO Star Wars game will no longer hit its targeted Spring 2021 release window, as TT Games needs more time to complete what it's calling "the biggest and best-ever LEGO game." A new release window wasn't announced; TT Games will "provide updated launch timing as soon as possible."
The Skywalker Saga was previously delayed from 2020 to Spring 2021.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Developer: TT Games
Bethesda's stylish, time-looping assassination game was recently delayed by four months. "We're committed to quality and preserving our team's ambitions for Deathloop while ensuring the health and safety of everyone at Arkane," read a statement from developer Arkane Studios. "We'll be using this extra time to accomplish our goal: create a fun, stylish, and mind-bending player experience."
This is Deathloop's second delay; it was previously pushed from its initial Holiday 2020 release window.
Platforms: PS5, PC | Developer: Arkane Studios
Wrath of the Druids, the first major expansion for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, was delayed by two weeks. The additional time will allow the development team to "deliver a more refined experience," according to Ubisoft.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Ubisoft
Resident Evil Re:Verse, the multiplayer game initially set to be released alongside Resident Evil Village on May 7, has been delayed to Summer 2021, Capcom announced in late April. Capcom didn't reveal a reason for the delay, though it's worth noting the game's beta was previously suspended due to matchmaking issues.
Re:Verse was subsequently delayed again, this time into 2022.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Capcom
The next Five Nights at Freddy's was delayed from early 2021 to late 2021. The delay is due to developer Scott Cawthon's decision to "put more time and money into [Security Breach] to make sure it's finished properly." As a consolation, Cawthon released a free FNaF beat 'em up called Security Breach: Fury's Rage on Game Jolt.
This is the second delay for Security Breach; it was previously pushed from late 2020 to early 2021.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developers: Steel Wool Studios, Scott Games
In April developer Mediatonic delayed the Switch and Xbox versions of Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout out of their original Summer 2021 release window. The developer said the delay will allow for the implementation of additional features at launch, including crossplay. A new release window was not announced.
Fall Guys was first released on PS4 and PC in August 2020.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch | Developer: Mediatonic
The PS5 version of Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 was delayed indefinitely after CI Games discovered "unforeseen technical issues" while developing for the console. Alongside the delay announcement, CI Games shared that it will now be releasing the first major DLC for free on all platforms.
The sequel will come to all other platforms — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4, and PC — as scheduled on June 4.
Platform: PS5 | Developer: CI Games
Ubisoft's long-in-development pirate ship sim Skull & Bones was delayed once again in May, with its release date being pushed back to 2022-2023. "Production led by [Ubisoft] Singapore has been advancing well over the past 12 months and the promise is better than ever," said Ubisoft CFO Frederick Duguet (via VGC). "The additional time will allow the team to fully deliver on its vision."
This is the latest in a series of delays for Skull & Bones, which was initially announced at E3 2017 with a 2018 release window.
*Ubisoft's fiscal year runs from April through the following March, meaning Skull & Bones is now expected between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Ubisoft
Axiom Verge 2 was recently delayed from its initial early 2021 release window to Q3. Developer Thomas Happ didn't give a specific reason for the delay, though he noted the game "will be better for the additional time." Alongside the announcement, Happ released a free making-of documentary about Axiom Verge.
Platforms: PS4, Switch, PC | Developer: Thomas Happ Games
Sony's highly anticipated God of War sequel was delayed from its initial 2021 release window to 2022. According to Herman Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, the decision was made "to ensure that Santa Monica Studio can deliver the amazing God of War game that we all want to play."
Platforms: PS5, PS4 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio
The stylish kung-fu game SIFU was delayed from 2021 to February 2022. The delay was announced during the July Sony State of Play, while the new date was announced during Gamescom Opening Night Live.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Sloclap
The Just Cause mobile spinoff was delayed into 2022 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on development. "We've had to adjust to new ways of working and that has resulted in delays to our development schedule," said Square Enix.
Platform: Mobile | Developer: Square Enix
The next game from The Evil Within developer Tango Gameworks was pushed from October to early next year, the studio announced in July. The decision was made to "protect the health of everyone at Tango." The developer added. "Our new release window will give us the time to bring the world of Ghostwire to life as we've always envisioned it."
Platforms: PS5, PC | Developer: Tango Gameworks
Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the gorgeous PlayStation console exclusive, was delayed by a month in order to "polish the game across all platforms," according to developer Ember Lab. This is Kena's second delay, after previously being pushed out of 2020.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Ember Lab
Life Is Strange Remastered Collection has been pushed into early 2022 due to "the ongoing challenges of the worldwide pandemic," according to the developer. The collection bundles Life Is Strange, Life Is Strange 2, and Life Is Strange: Before the Storm.
The franchise's next game, Life Is Strange: True Colors, will still be released on September 10.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia | Developers: Dontnod Entertainment, Deck Nine Games
Sony's highly anticipated Horizon sequel was dated for 2022, after previously being given a Holiday 2021 release window. The Horizon Forbidden West release date is now February 18, 2022.
"While the decision to move the game’s launch to 2022 certainly wasn’t easy, we’d like to take a moment to thank all of our fans for their unwavering support," said game director director Mathijs de Jonge. "We know how much you’ve been looking forward to reuniting with Aloy and her friends, continuing her story, and exploring a new and more dangerous world."
Platforms: PS5, PS4 | Developer: Guerilla Games
The free Top Gun expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator has been delayed by six months – a shift that aligns with the recently announced delay of Top Gun: Maverick. "Paramount Pictures recently shifted the release date of Top Gun: Maverick to Memorial Day weekend, May 27, 2022," developer Asobo said. "As we have previously announced, the Top Gun: Maverick expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator ... will be released alongside the movie."
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: Asobo Studio
Grand Theft Auto 5's PS5 and Xbox Series X|S release has been delayed from this November to March 2022, Rockstar announced during the recent PlayStation Showcase. Alongside the new release window, Rockstar gave us our first look at the latest GTA 5 remaster in action — check out screenshots from the trailer below.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S | Developer: Rockstar Games
In mid-September, Creative Assembly delayed Total War: Warhammer 3 into early 2022. "The wait won't be much longer, and we'll have plenty of new information for you in the meantime," said the developer. "The new date will make for a stronger release and the best first step into a new era for Total War: Warhammer."
Platform: PC | Developer: Creative Assembly
Techland delayed Dying Light 2 to February 4, 2022, in order to "bring the game to the level we envision," said Techland CEO Pawel Marchewka. Alongside the delay, Marchewka teased the studio will share "exciting news" about the sequel later in September.
This is Dying Light 2's second delay; it was initially scheduled to launch in Spring 2020.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Techland
Battlefield 2042 was delayed by a month, EA announced in mid-September, citing development complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Given the scale and scope of the game, we had hoped our teams would be back in our studios together as we move towards launch," said DICE GM Oskar Gabrielson. "With the ongoing conditions not allowing that to happen safely, and with all the hard work the teams are doing from home, we feel it is important to take the extra time to deliver on the vision of Battlefield 2042 for our players."
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: DICE
The stylish action-adventure Solar Ash was pushed from late October to early December, developer Heart Machine announced on October 13, just two weeks before the game's previously expected release date. "We want Solar Ash to shine," the developer wrote on Twitter, "and we need a bit more time to get the last pieces of polish and bug fixes into the game, while still navigating this global pandemic."
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Heart Machine
The wait for FromSoftware's highly anticipated Elden Ring has been prolonged by a month. The delay comes "as the depth & strategic freedom of the game exceeded initial expectations," according to the developer. Alongside the delay, FromSoftware announced a Closed Network Test that will allow select PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One owners to get their hands on the game from November 12–14.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: FromSoftware
The next-gen version of Cyberpunk 2077 was delayed from late 2021 to the first quarter of 2022 (January–March). Developer CD Projekt Red gave no specific reason for the delay, though in a statement posted to Twitter it wrote, "Apologies for the extended wait, but we want to make it right."
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: CD Projekt Red
Alongside the aforementioned delay of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red announced it was pushing its next-gen version of The Witcher 3 to Q2 2022 (April–June). As with Cyberpunk, The Witcher 3's next-gen upgrade was initially expected to be released in late 2021, and CD Projekt Red didn't provide a specific reason for the delay.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: CD Projekt Red
Nintendo has delayed the updated re-release of Advance Wars 1 and 2 into next year. Re-Boot Camp was initially scheduled to hit Switch in early December, but will now release during the Spring 2022 window as "the game needs a little more time for fine tuning."
Platform: Switch | Developer: WayForward
The return of Shadow Warrior has been delayed from 2021 to an unannounced date in 2022. Developer Flying Wild Hog made the announcement in a new trailer, saying the delay will allow the team "to hit the quality level we all want for Lo Wang's next adventure." The exact release date will be announced "soon."
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Flying Wild Hog
Ubisoft quietly pushed The Division Heartland from its current fiscal year to fiscal year 2022-2023, which runs from April 2022 to March 2023. No reason was given for the delay of Heartland, a free-to-play shooter set in Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's The Division universe.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Red Storm Entertainment
In early Novembver, Activision Blizzard announced it was "planning for a later launch for Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4 than originally envisaged." While a release date for Diablo 4 had not been announced prior to the delay, an SEC filing from Activision Blizzard suggested it was originally targeting a 2022 release date, meaning it can now be expected in 2023 or later.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Blizzard
Alongside the delay of Diablo 4, Activision Blizzard announced it was pushing Overwatch 2, presumably to 2023 or later given the aforementioned SEC filing. "We believe giving the teams some extra time to complete production and continue growing their creative resources to support the titles after launch will ensure that these releases delight and engage their communities for many years in the future," said the company.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Developer: Blizzard
PlatinumGames retro shooter Sol Cresta, which began its life as an April Fools joke, was delayed out of 2021. A new date should be announced in early 2022, according to game designer Hideki Kamiya. Explaining the reason for the delay, Kamiya said, "There were some schedule issues, some quality issues that we want to focus on to make sure everything is right."
Platforms: PS4, Switch, PC | Developer: PlatinumGames
After initially being scheduled for March of next year, Marvel's Midnight Suns is now expected to be released between July and December 2022. Publisher 2K announced the delay in early November, citing "extra time needed [for Midnight Suns] to reach its full potential." The extra time will be used to "add more story, cinematics, and overall polish," it added.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Developer: Firaxis
Final Fantasy 14's next major expansion, Endwalker, was delayed by two weeks into early December. Game director Naoki Yoshida said he "couldn’t contain [his] desire to further improve Endwalker’s quality," and as a result the development team "ended up in a situation where [it] cut into the time required for final quality assurance checks."
The early access period for Endwalker, meanwhile, will begin four days ahead of its release, on December 3.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Square Enix
Initially dated for 2021, Scorn will now be released sometime in 2022, developer Ebb Software announced in a Kickstarter update. According to the update, the shift in release window was due to the project's "large scope, high production values, and some overly ambitious estimates with our initial timelines." Scorn is a first-person horror adventure with an H.R. Giger-inspired art style.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: Ebb Software
Which of these are you most disappointed by? Which games of 2021 are you hoping don't get delayed next? Let us know in the comments.
Jordan is a freelance writer for IGN.
Continue reading...
To track the pandemic’s continued impact on game development, we’ve compiled a list of every game and notable DLC delay officially announced this year (no reports or rumors). This article will be updated as more release dates and windows are inevitably pushed, but for now, here are all 52 delays announced in 2021.
Outriders
- Delayed from February 2 to April 1, 2021
Developer People Can Fly announced the delay in early January, saying, “We have decided to move the release date of Outriders to April 1st 2021 (no joke!). We will spend this extra time fine tuning the game and focusing on delivering a fantastic play experience at launch.”
This is Outriders’ second delay; it was previously pushed from Holiday 2020 to February 2021.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC | Developer: People Can Fly
Pragmata
- Delayed from 2022 to 2023
Pragmata’s delay was quietly revealed at the end of a sizzle reel shown during Sony’s 2021 CES panel. Capcom’s mysterious new game was initially given a 2022 release window.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: Capcom
Elite Dangerous: Odyssey
- Delayed from Early 2021 to Late Spring (PC) and Fall 2021 (Console)
[UPDATE: Now available on PC, console release date now TBA]
Frontier Developments delayed its upcoming Elite Dangerous expansion due to the “ongoing impact of the pandemic.” The studio said the effects of the pandemic, “including the [U.K.’s] renewed lockdowns in 2021, continues to put added pressure on our teams and ultimately our development timeline.”
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Frontier Developments
Hogwarts Legacy
- Delayed from 2021 to 2022
On January 13 Portkey Games announced it was delaying its open-world Harry Potter action-RPG by a year. “Creating the best possible experience for all of the Wizarding World and gaming fans is paramount to us so we are giving the game the time it needs,” read a statement from the developer.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developers: Portkey Games, Avalanche Software
Cyberpunk 2077 Free DLC
- Delayed from Early 2021 to later in 2021
[UPDATE: Further delayed to Q1 2022]
CD Projekt Red initially planned to begin releasing free Cyberpunk 2077 DLC in early 2021. However, that DLC may no longer hit its target window, as the developer has prioritized “working on the most important fixes and updates,” specifically for the poorly optimized PS4 and Xbox One versions of Cyberpunk.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC | Developer: CD Projekt Red
Riders Republic
- Delayed from February 25 to later in 2021
[UPDATE: Released on October 28]
On January 14 Ubisoft announced it was delaying Riders Republic from its former February release date to sometime “later” in 2021. “This additional time will allow our passionate team to deliver the best fun fueled experience to our players,” said the company.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC | Developer: Ubisoft Annecy
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
- Delayed from Late 2021 to 2022
Originally set to be released later this year, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum will now arrive at some point in 2022. Publisher Nacon announced the new date for the stealth-focused Middle-earth adventure in late January, though it didn’t provide a reason for the delay.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Developer: Daedalic Entertainment
Returnal
- Delayed from March 19 to April 30, 2021
Returnal was pushed from mid-March to late April “to give the team extra time to continue to polish the game to the level of quality players expect from Housemarque.” The roguelike third-person shooter will be released exclusively on PS5.
Platform: PS5 | Developer: Housemarque
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake
- Delayed from March 18 to 2022
The first game delay announced in February, and the ninth overall for the year, was Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. According to Ubisoft, the extra development time will allow the team "to deliver a remake that feels fresh while remaining faithful to the original." A new release window wasn't announced until June, when Ubisoft confirmed the remake is targeting 2022.
This is the remake's second delay; it was previously pushed from January to March.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Ubisoft
New World
- Delayed from Spring to August 31, 2021
[UPDATE: Released on September 28 following a third delay]
In mid-February, Amazon announced it was delaying its upcoming MMO, New World, from spring to August 31. The development team will use the additional months to continue its work on "compelling end-game features," in addition to "polishing and fine tuning the whole game."
This was New World's second delay; it was previously pushed from August 25, 2020, to Spring 2021. A third delay was announced following its open beta, with the release date shifting from August 31 to September 28.
Platform: PC | Developer: Amazon Game Studios
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
- Delayed from 2021 to an unannounced later date
Paradox Interactive delayed Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 out of its 2021 release window without announcing a new target date. Alongside the delay, the publisher announced Hardsuit Labs will no longer be leading development on the project. "A change" was needed, according to Paradox, "and, as a result, more development time is required."
Originally slated for Q1 2020, Bloodlines 2's troubled development has included multiple delays and departures of key talent, including the game's former creative director and senior narrative designer.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Hardsuit Labs (until February 2021); new developer TBA
Gran Turismo 7
- Delayed from 2021 to March 4, 2022
GT7 was delayed from 2021 to 2022 due to "Covid-related production challenges," according to Sony. "With the ongoing pandemic, it’s a dynamic and changing situation and some critical aspects of game production have been slowed over the past several months," the company added.
Platform: PS5, PS4 | Developer: Polyphony Digital
New Need for Speed
- Delayed from EA's fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023*
EA delayed the next, currently untitled Need for Speed from FY2022 to FY2023 as developer Criterion Games temporarily moves off the upcoming racer to assist DICE on the next Battlefield — a decision made to combat the effects of pandemic-related working conditions and ensure EA's flagship shooter hits its target Holiday 2021 release window.
*EA's fiscal year runs from April through the following March, meaning the next Need for Speed is now expected between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One | Developer: Criterion Games
Guilty Gear Strive
- Delayed from April 9 to June 11, 2021
Guilty Gear Strive was delayed by two months after developer Arc System Works received "valuable feedback" from the recent open beta. The additional time will be used "to polish some aspects of the game, such as the online lobbies and the server's stability," according to the developer.
The fighting game was previously delayed out of 2020 due to COVID-19-related development challenges.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Arc System Works
Borderlands 3 Director's Cut Add-on
- Delayed from March 18 to April 8, 2021
The Borderlands 3 Director's Cut add-on was delayed by three weeks due to the "severe weather that impacted Texas last month," according to developer Gearbox. The Director's Cut content includes a new raid boss, story missions, and challenges.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC | Developer: Gearbox Software
Gotham Knights
- Delayed from 2021 to 2022
WB Games delayed Gotham Knights into 2022 to give the development team "more time to deliver the best possible experience for players." Announced in 2020 at DC Fandome, the co-op Batman game was initially given a 2021 release window.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: WB Games Montreal
Humankind
- Delayed from April 22 to August 17, 2021
SEGA and developer Amplitude have announced the delay of 4X strategy game Humankind to a little later in 2021 in order to give the developers time to finetune the pacing, balance, diplomacy, AI, and accessibility of the experience.
Platforms: PC, Stadia | Developer: Amplitude Studios
Back 4 Blood
- Delayed from June 21 to October 12, 2021
The Left 4 Dead spiritual successor Back 4 Blood has been pushed into October to allow the devs at Turtle Rock Studios time to deliver "the best game it can possibly be at launch." There will be an open beta this summer, though.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Turtle Rock Studios
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Delayed from Spring 2021 to an unannounced later date
The upcoming LEGO Star Wars game will no longer hit its targeted Spring 2021 release window, as TT Games needs more time to complete what it's calling "the biggest and best-ever LEGO game." A new release window wasn't announced; TT Games will "provide updated launch timing as soon as possible."
The Skywalker Saga was previously delayed from 2020 to Spring 2021.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Developer: TT Games
Deathloop
- Delayed from May 21 to September 14, 2021
Bethesda's stylish, time-looping assassination game was recently delayed by four months. "We're committed to quality and preserving our team's ambitions for Deathloop while ensuring the health and safety of everyone at Arkane," read a statement from developer Arkane Studios. "We'll be using this extra time to accomplish our goal: create a fun, stylish, and mind-bending player experience."
This is Deathloop's second delay; it was previously pushed from its initial Holiday 2020 release window.
Platforms: PS5, PC | Developer: Arkane Studios
Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids
- Delayed from April 29 to May 13, 2021
Wrath of the Druids, the first major expansion for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, was delayed by two weeks. The additional time will allow the development team to "deliver a more refined experience," according to Ubisoft.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Ubisoft
Resident Evil Re:Verse
- Delayed from May 7 to Summer 2021
[UPDATE: Delayed into 2022]
Resident Evil Re:Verse, the multiplayer game initially set to be released alongside Resident Evil Village on May 7, has been delayed to Summer 2021, Capcom announced in late April. Capcom didn't reveal a reason for the delay, though it's worth noting the game's beta was previously suspended due to matchmaking issues.
Re:Verse was subsequently delayed again, this time into 2022.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Capcom
Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach
- Delayed from Early 2021 to Late 2021
[UPDATE: Will be released December 16]
The next Five Nights at Freddy's was delayed from early 2021 to late 2021. The delay is due to developer Scott Cawthon's decision to "put more time and money into [Security Breach] to make sure it's finished properly." As a consolation, Cawthon released a free FNaF beat 'em up called Security Breach: Fury's Rage on Game Jolt.
This is the second delay for Security Breach; it was previously pushed from late 2020 to early 2021.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developers: Steel Wool Studios, Scott Games
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (Switch and Xbox versions)
- Delayed from Summer 2021 to an unannounced later date
In April developer Mediatonic delayed the Switch and Xbox versions of Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout out of their original Summer 2021 release window. The developer said the delay will allow for the implementation of additional features at launch, including crossplay. A new release window was not announced.
Fall Guys was first released on PS4 and PC in August 2020.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch | Developer: Mediatonic
Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 (PS5 version)
- Delayed from June 4 to an unannounced later date
[UPDATE: PS5 version was released on August 24]
The PS5 version of Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 was delayed indefinitely after CI Games discovered "unforeseen technical issues" while developing for the console. Alongside the delay announcement, CI Games shared that it will now be releasing the first major DLC for free on all platforms.
The sequel will come to all other platforms — Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4, and PC — as scheduled on June 4.
Platform: PS5 | Developer: CI Games
Skull & Bones
- Delayed from Ubisoft's fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023*
Ubisoft's long-in-development pirate ship sim Skull & Bones was delayed once again in May, with its release date being pushed back to 2022-2023. "Production led by [Ubisoft] Singapore has been advancing well over the past 12 months and the promise is better than ever," said Ubisoft CFO Frederick Duguet (via VGC). "The additional time will allow the team to fully deliver on its vision."
This is the latest in a series of delays for Skull & Bones, which was initially announced at E3 2017 with a 2018 release window.
*Ubisoft's fiscal year runs from April through the following March, meaning Skull & Bones is now expected between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Ubisoft
Axiom Verge 2
- Delayed from Early 2021 to Q3 2021
[UPDATE: Released in August; a PS5 version will come later]
Axiom Verge 2 was recently delayed from its initial early 2021 release window to Q3. Developer Thomas Happ didn't give a specific reason for the delay, though he noted the game "will be better for the additional time." Alongside the announcement, Happ released a free making-of documentary about Axiom Verge.
Platforms: PS4, Switch, PC | Developer: Thomas Happ Games
God of War 2
- Delayed from 2021 to 2022
Sony's highly anticipated God of War sequel was delayed from its initial 2021 release window to 2022. According to Herman Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, the decision was made "to ensure that Santa Monica Studio can deliver the amazing God of War game that we all want to play."
Platforms: PS5, PS4 | Developer: Santa Monica Studio
SIFU
- Delayed from 2021 to February 22, 2022
The stylish kung-fu game SIFU was delayed from 2021 to February 2022. The delay was announced during the July Sony State of Play, while the new date was announced during Gamescom Opening Night Live.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Sloclap
Just Cause Mobile
- Delayed from 2021 to 2022
The Just Cause mobile spinoff was delayed into 2022 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on development. "We've had to adjust to new ways of working and that has resulted in delays to our development schedule," said Square Enix.
Platform: Mobile | Developer: Square Enix
Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Delayed from October 2021 to Early 2022
The next game from The Evil Within developer Tango Gameworks was pushed from October to early next year, the studio announced in July. The decision was made to "protect the health of everyone at Tango." The developer added. "Our new release window will give us the time to bring the world of Ghostwire to life as we've always envisioned it."
Platforms: PS5, PC | Developer: Tango Gameworks
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
- Delayed from August 24 to September 21, 2021
Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the gorgeous PlayStation console exclusive, was delayed by a month in order to "polish the game across all platforms," according to developer Ember Lab. This is Kena's second delay, after previously being pushed out of 2020.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Ember Lab
Life Is Strange Remastered Collection
- Delayed from September 30, 2021, to Early 2022
Life Is Strange Remastered Collection has been pushed into early 2022 due to "the ongoing challenges of the worldwide pandemic," according to the developer. The collection bundles Life Is Strange, Life Is Strange 2, and Life Is Strange: Before the Storm.
The franchise's next game, Life Is Strange: True Colors, will still be released on September 10.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia | Developers: Dontnod Entertainment, Deck Nine Games
Horizon Forbidden West
- Delayed from Holiday 2021 to February 18, 2022
Sony's highly anticipated Horizon sequel was dated for 2022, after previously being given a Holiday 2021 release window. The Horizon Forbidden West release date is now February 18, 2022.
"While the decision to move the game’s launch to 2022 certainly wasn’t easy, we’d like to take a moment to thank all of our fans for their unwavering support," said game director director Mathijs de Jonge. "We know how much you’ve been looking forward to reuniting with Aloy and her friends, continuing her story, and exploring a new and more dangerous world."
Platforms: PS5, PS4 | Developer: Guerilla Games
Microsoft Flight Simulator: Top Gun Expansion
- Delayed from November 19, 2021, to May 27, 2022
The free Top Gun expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator has been delayed by six months – a shift that aligns with the recently announced delay of Top Gun: Maverick. "Paramount Pictures recently shifted the release date of Top Gun: Maverick to Memorial Day weekend, May 27, 2022," developer Asobo said. "As we have previously announced, the Top Gun: Maverick expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator ... will be released alongside the movie."
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: Asobo Studio
Grand Theft Auto 5 (Next-Gen)
- Delayed from November 11, 2021, to March 2022
Grand Theft Auto 5's PS5 and Xbox Series X|S release has been delayed from this November to March 2022, Rockstar announced during the recent PlayStation Showcase. Alongside the new release window, Rockstar gave us our first look at the latest GTA 5 remaster in action — check out screenshots from the trailer below.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S | Developer: Rockstar Games
Total War: Warhammer 3
- Delayed from 2021 to Early 2022
In mid-September, Creative Assembly delayed Total War: Warhammer 3 into early 2022. "The wait won't be much longer, and we'll have plenty of new information for you in the meantime," said the developer. "The new date will make for a stronger release and the best first step into a new era for Total War: Warhammer."
Platform: PC | Developer: Creative Assembly
Dying Light 2
- Delayed from December 2021 to February 4, 2022
Techland delayed Dying Light 2 to February 4, 2022, in order to "bring the game to the level we envision," said Techland CEO Pawel Marchewka. Alongside the delay, Marchewka teased the studio will share "exciting news" about the sequel later in September.
This is Dying Light 2's second delay; it was initially scheduled to launch in Spring 2020.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Techland
Battlefield 2042
- Delayed from October 22 to November 19, 2021
Battlefield 2042 was delayed by a month, EA announced in mid-September, citing development complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Given the scale and scope of the game, we had hoped our teams would be back in our studios together as we move towards launch," said DICE GM Oskar Gabrielson. "With the ongoing conditions not allowing that to happen safely, and with all the hard work the teams are doing from home, we feel it is important to take the extra time to deliver on the vision of Battlefield 2042 for our players."
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: DICE
Solar Ash
- Delayed from October 26 to December 2, 2021
The stylish action-adventure Solar Ash was pushed from late October to early December, developer Heart Machine announced on October 13, just two weeks before the game's previously expected release date. "We want Solar Ash to shine," the developer wrote on Twitter, "and we need a bit more time to get the last pieces of polish and bug fixes into the game, while still navigating this global pandemic."
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Heart Machine
Elden Ring
- Delayed from January 21 to February 25, 2022
The wait for FromSoftware's highly anticipated Elden Ring has been prolonged by a month. The delay comes "as the depth & strategic freedom of the game exceeded initial expectations," according to the developer. Alongside the delay, FromSoftware announced a Closed Network Test that will allow select PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One owners to get their hands on the game from November 12–14.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: FromSoftware
Cyberpunk 2077 (Next-Gen)
- Delayed from Late 2021 to Q1 2022
The next-gen version of Cyberpunk 2077 was delayed from late 2021 to the first quarter of 2022 (January–March). Developer CD Projekt Red gave no specific reason for the delay, though in a statement posted to Twitter it wrote, "Apologies for the extended wait, but we want to make it right."
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen)
- Delayed from Late 2021 to Q2 2022
Alongside the aforementioned delay of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red announced it was pushing its next-gen version of The Witcher 3 to Q2 2022 (April–June). As with Cyberpunk, The Witcher 3's next-gen upgrade was initially expected to be released in late 2021, and CD Projekt Red didn't provide a specific reason for the delay.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: CD Projekt Red
Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp
- Delayed from December 3 to Spring 2022
Nintendo has delayed the updated re-release of Advance Wars 1 and 2 into next year. Re-Boot Camp was initially scheduled to hit Switch in early December, but will now release during the Spring 2022 window as "the game needs a little more time for fine tuning."
Platform: Switch | Developer: WayForward
Shadow Warrior 3
- Delayed from 2021 to 2022
The return of Shadow Warrior has been delayed from 2021 to an unannounced date in 2022. Developer Flying Wild Hog made the announcement in a new trailer, saying the delay will allow the team "to hit the quality level we all want for Lo Wang's next adventure." The exact release date will be announced "soon."
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Flying Wild Hog
The Division Heartland
- Delayed from Ubisoft's fiscal year 2021-2022 to Ubisoft's fiscal year 2022-2023
Ubisoft quietly pushed The Division Heartland from its current fiscal year to fiscal year 2022-2023, which runs from April 2022 to March 2023. No reason was given for the delay of Heartland, a free-to-play shooter set in Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's The Division universe.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Red Storm Entertainment
Diablo 4
- Delayed from TBA to an unannounced later date
In early Novembver, Activision Blizzard announced it was "planning for a later launch for Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4 than originally envisaged." While a release date for Diablo 4 had not been announced prior to the delay, an SEC filing from Activision Blizzard suggested it was originally targeting a 2022 release date, meaning it can now be expected in 2023 or later.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC | Developer: Blizzard
Overwatch 2
- Delayed from TBA to an unannounced later date
Alongside the delay of Diablo 4, Activision Blizzard announced it was pushing Overwatch 2, presumably to 2023 or later given the aforementioned SEC filing. "We believe giving the teams some extra time to complete production and continue growing their creative resources to support the titles after launch will ensure that these releases delight and engage their communities for many years in the future," said the company.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Developer: Blizzard
Sol Cresta
- Delayed from December 9, 2021, to an unannounced later date
PlatinumGames retro shooter Sol Cresta, which began its life as an April Fools joke, was delayed out of 2021. A new date should be announced in early 2022, according to game designer Hideki Kamiya. Explaining the reason for the delay, Kamiya said, "There were some schedule issues, some quality issues that we want to focus on to make sure everything is right."
Platforms: PS4, Switch, PC | Developer: PlatinumGames
Marvel's Midnight Suns
- Delayed from March 2022 to the second half of 2022
After initially being scheduled for March of next year, Marvel's Midnight Suns is now expected to be released between July and December 2022. Publisher 2K announced the delay in early November, citing "extra time needed [for Midnight Suns] to reach its full potential." The extra time will be used to "add more story, cinematics, and overall polish," it added.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Developer: Firaxis
Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker
- Delayed from November 23 to December 7, 2021
Final Fantasy 14's next major expansion, Endwalker, was delayed by two weeks into early December. Game director Naoki Yoshida said he "couldn’t contain [his] desire to further improve Endwalker’s quality," and as a result the development team "ended up in a situation where [it] cut into the time required for final quality assurance checks."
The early access period for Endwalker, meanwhile, will begin four days ahead of its release, on December 3.
Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC | Developer: Square Enix
Scorn
- Delayed from 2021 to 2022
Initially dated for 2021, Scorn will now be released sometime in 2022, developer Ebb Software announced in a Kickstarter update. According to the update, the shift in release window was due to the project's "large scope, high production values, and some overly ambitious estimates with our initial timelines." Scorn is a first-person horror adventure with an H.R. Giger-inspired art style.
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC | Developer: Ebb Software
Which of these are you most disappointed by? Which games of 2021 are you hoping don't get delayed next? Let us know in the comments.
Jordan is a freelance writer for IGN.
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