Delays have become quite common in the gaming industry in recent couple of years. After Cyberpunk 2077 was released and didn’t meet anyone’s standards, it had to be updated just to make it functional, so game developers have decided to delay games rather than face such criticism again.
In this article, we’ll go over some games that have been pushed to 2026 and have already generated buzz among fans. This is especially noticeable with games that are part of the eSport lineup. In recent years, eSports have grown in scope and scale, and Bitcoin gambling sites offer betting on eSports events that rival those of traditional sports. Bitcoin allows for safe and easy transfers, with relatively low fees. Unlike most other cryptos, it’s also relatively stable in value, making wagers with it, most similar to those made with fiat money.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (Nintendo Switch 2)
A version of the Elder Ring made for Nintendo Switch 2 has been in the works for a while now. The game is an absolute classic, but it’s still not available for all platforms. The plan was to release it by the end of 2025, but FromSoftware decided to move it.
Early hands-on demos didn’t perform well, with serious frame rate and stuttering issues, especially in the game’s open-world sections. That’s what was used as the official explanation for the delay as well – it was stated that the delay was to make “performance adjustments”.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Reimagined)
Ubisoft first announced Prince of Persia as a remake, but it later became something more, often called “a ground-up rework”. The project had a long history. It was announced in 2020 and should have come out in 2021. Ubisoft has now come out with March 31, 2026, as the final date.
Ubisoft also commented on the reason for the delay, saying it’s part of a broader “pipeline review” to ensure higher-quality releases. Fans are disappointed, but the reason seems fair, and the goal is to capture the magic Prince of Persia brought to so many players in the 90s and 2000s.
Star Wars: Eclipse
Star Wars: Eclipse was announced as a narrative, multi-character Star Wars adventure by Quantic Dream. It was also said that the game will feature branching storylines and a cinematic aesthetic. However, Quantic Dream never announced an official release date.
Insider sources have revealed the 2026 release date. However, some say it may slip even further than that. There’s a lot of buzz among fans, especially because it’s one of the most ambitious projects the company has undertaken, and the delays were caused by the team striving for the highest quality across every part of the production.
Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Pearl Abyss. It was supposed to come out in 2025, but it’s been moved to early 2026. The company was also open about the reasons for the delays.
It stated that “longer than expected timelines arising from schedule coordination and collaborations with multiple partners for offline distribution, voice-overs, console certification, and other launch preparations”. Fans have been waiting for this one since 2021, and another delay doesn’t come as a surprise.
Exodus (by Archetype Entertainment)
Exodus is an RPG developed by Archetype Entertainment, a company founded by a former BioWare vet, and published by Wizards of the Coast. The game is described as having a vast scope and a complex morality and narrative. It’s also been said that the team is using it as a “fill the gap” title if Mass Effect takes too long.
At this point, the game was moved to a 2026 release after it was initially planned for 2025. There hasn’t been an official explanation of the reasons for the delay so far.
Fable (Playground Games / Microsoft)
The reboot of Fable by Playground Games, known for the Forza Horizon series, was slated for a 2025 release, but Microsoft decided to push it to 2026. This was announced by Craig Duncan, head of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios. He said the development team needed more time to polish the game and deliver a high-quality product.
It’s an AAA franchise with a huge fan base and high expectations, so delays like this aren’t taken lightly. A gameplay trailer will be released soon, and fans will debate whether the delay is worth it.
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra
Another installment in the Marvel franchise will be set during WW2 and it will feature Marvel characters, including Captain America, Black Panther, and the Howling Commandos. It was pushed from 2025 to 2026.
The team stated that it needs more time to polish and refine the game. With Marvel losing a bit of its cultural importance, the delay wasn’t met with much surprise or disappointment. Still, it shows that all major studios are focusing on quality, and that many AAA games are being moved to 2026.
