Fans of Prison Architect will need to hold off their excitement for the highly-anticipated sequel for a bit longer. On Friday (August 2), Kokku and Paradox Interactive announced that Prison Architect 2, originally scheduled for release on September 3rd, has been delayed indefinitely. While this news is disappointing for many excited gamers, the developers emphasized the need for additional time to improve the game’s performance and content before it hits the shelves.
In an official statement, Paradox Interactive revealed, “We have some difficult news to share: unfortunately, we will not release Prison Architect 2 on September 3rd because we need more time to improve both the game’s performance and its content.” The decision stems from the result of extensive internal reviews and feedback from beta testing, which highlighted several areas requiring further development. “We need to raise the quality a bit more to meet the standards we’d like to achieve with this sequel,” the statement continued.
Prison Architect 2 promises significant upgrades and innovative features, including a transition to 3D graphics, multi-floor designs, and an advanced behaviour system. These features aim to introduce new gameplay possibilities and elevate the overall experience for the players. However, despite these exciting prospects, the development team is dedicated to perfecting the game to ensure that the game “lives up to the franchise’s legacy” and meets the high expectations of “our players and the Prison Architect 2 teams at Kokku and Paradox Interactive.”
This isn’t the first delay for Prison Architect 2. Originally set for March 26th, the release was first pushed back to address memory and spec issues, then rescheduled to May 7th, and later to September 3rd. While some fans worried about a potential cancellation, developers assured that the game is still in progress. “We’re confident in the game but need to enhance its performance before release,” they explained. The game’s complex systems mean that even minor changes can impact other areas, requiring detailed adjustments.
The decision to delay also reflects lessons learned from past experiences. Earlier this year, Paradox Interactive faced backlash for the poorly received Cities: Skylines 2 Beach Properties asset pack, which suffered from lacklustre content and issues with the main game. By taking extra time with Prison Architect 2, the team aims to avoid similar pitfalls and ensure a smoother launch. “We can’t commit to a new release date at this time,” the developers explained, “as we need to reassess the scope of the work needed to be done before the game is release-ready.” They added, “Over the next few months, we will focus on improving the game and building a robust release timeline.”
In response to the delay, preorders across all platforms will be refunded, and preorder bonuses will be integrated into the base game for all players. Paradox Interactive assured fans that the delay intended to provide “a high-quality experience that honours the legacy of Prison Architect“. While the wait for the sequel continues, the commitment to delivering a refined and polished game promises a rewarding experience. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates as the developers work towards a new release timeline.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
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