Video game release schedules can be pretty hectic at times. However, not every game is lucky enough to be even launched. Some are scrapped, while others are just stewing thanks to delays.
Whether it's due to design reworks, restructuring of the studios, or just some catastrophe affecting the market at the time, the developers and publishers have no choice but to watch those launch windows remain closed until further notice.
The subject has already been covered in this list for titles – most of which are among the most sought after in the market. But that was just a mere fraction. So here are another five upcoming games that are currently going through the same hell.
'Metroid Prime 4' (Switch)
"Metroid Prime 4" has been in the pipe for quite some time. But the wait is becoming unbearable at this point. Since it was announced for the Nintendo Switch back in 2017, things have remained radio silent with no proof-of-concept insight. Fortunately, the Switch is only halfway through its life cycle, and the release of "Metroid Dread" last year helped to sate the fans’ appetite during the long wait. But there is still no word on a release date, and there won’t be for some time.
'Payday 3'
It’s been almost a decade since there was a follow-up to the "Payday" franchise. The last game "Payday 2" dropped in 2013 and was the pinnacle of the series with its over-the-top bank robberies, break-ins, and police shootouts. That is until the impending arrival of "Payday3." Or so many had hoped. Unfortunately, due to its developer undergoing restructuring, progress for the threequel was brought down to a crawl. Now it’s scheduled to launch sometime in 2022-2023. Fingers crossed.
'Scorn' (XBSX/S, PC)
There aren't that many titles out there that embolden body horror like Ebb Software's 'Scorn' does. This upcoming FPS is set in a weird world draped in gross tapestry and occupied with abominations that share a lot in common with the protagonist. Even the weaponry is gross and disturbing to look at. Unfortunately, since its announcement back in 2014, info on "Scorn" has been pretty ambiguous. But its release is set for some time in 2022, so the wait might finally be over.
'Atomic Heart' (PS4, PS5, XBO, XBSX/S, PC)
Building a game under pressure is one thing. Doing so while trapped in development hell is another. For studio Mundfish and its upcoming FPS "Atomic Heart," it was the latter. On the surface, the game’s Soviet backdrop and “machine uprising” premise made for a match made in heaven. But beneath the surface lie internal conflicts and studio reshuffles that have damned the project since it went public back in 2018. Fortunately, "Atomic Heart" is supposedly on track for a 2022 release after all.
'Skull & Bones' (TBD)
The naval combat genre can feel like a pretty tight niche, especially during this generation. But that’s why a title like "Skull & Bones" stands out. Announced for consoles and PC as far back as 2017, the game is the flagship title of Ubisoft Singapore and features an open sea world engulfed in piracy and naval combat. Unfortunately, due to many reworks, it’s been a while since anyone has seen or heard from the project albeit an intended 2022 release.
