Deathloop has had its release date delayed by almost half a year.
The next game from Arkane Studios (developers of Dishonored and Prey) was originally due to launch this holiday season, on PC as well as PlayStation 5. However, the developer has now confirmed that the time-shifting, super-powered shooter won’t be launching until Q2, 2021.
To the community, an update on DEATHLOOP: pic.twitter.com/XveoG6AgoT
— DEATHLOOP (@deathloop) August 18, 2020
Arkane released the news on Twitter, stating that the delay comes due to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on working conditions. With most staff members now working from home, they didn’t believe it would be possible to release the game at the standard they want by the original release window.
“This extra time will allow our team to bring Deathloop’s world to life with as much character and fun as you’ve come to expect from our team,” the post reads. “While we know this is the right decision for Deathloop, we share your disappointment and apologize for making you wait even longer.”
Deathloop features two rival assassins, permanently locked in a time-loop. Set on the island of Blackreef, one assassin, Colt, is desperately attempting to pick out the key targets they need to kill before they can escape the loop. Fortunately, they're packing several supernatural powers including Dishonored's blink. The other? Well Juliana is the protector of Blackreef, and they’ll kill the first over and over and over to keep the loop going. Game director Dinga Bakaba and Art Director Sebastien Mitton recently divulged more information about how the game works in a new video you can see below.
Go in with guns blazing, or surprise your enemies with stealth and cunning. No matter how you choose to play, you'd better be ready for anything in DEATHLOOP. Hear from Dinga Bakaba and Sebastien Mitton as they divulge the #DEATHLOOP inside scoop. pic.twitter.com/KAoSZCaHbw
— DEATHLOOP (@deathloop) August 7, 2020
Players will be able to attempt to break the loop at Colt, or dive into another player’s game as Juliana to throw a wrench (and more than a few bullets) into Colt’s plans. Designed for PC and PS5, it features a stylish, ‘60s-inspired aesthetic that helps to keep the repeated deaths from feeling all too grim.
Following the delay, Deathloop will now launch Q2 2021 on PS5 and PC.
