Hardsuit Labs and Paradox Interactive have delayed Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 a couple of times by now. Originally due out in Q1 2020, it first got delayed to later in the year, before being delayed once again into 2021. A release window beyond the vague 2021 timeframe hasn’t yet been provided for the game- and publisher Paradox Interactive says you shouldn’t expect it to launch in the first half of the year.
Speaking to the Swedish media (via PC Gamer), Paradox Interactive CEO Ebba Ljungerud said that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a shortage of development kits for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S being provided by Sony and Microsoft respectively, and with Bloodlines 2 due out on the new consoles as well, that’s been a stumbling block for developer Hardsuit Labs that’s resulted in the game’s release being pushed back.
“To be able to develop for the next generation, you have to have development kits from the manufacturers,” Ljungerud explained. “And I’m pretty sure that both Sony and Microsoft were affected by the pandemic because they did not have that many development kits.”
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has also been going through some development troubles with upheaval in its staff. Earlier this year, the developer cut ties with writer Chris Avellone following allegations of sexual harassment against him. Not long afterward, the game’s creative director and narrative designer were also let go, though a new narrative designer was recruited in October.
Whenever it launches, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
