With so many games vying for attention in the latter stages of 2023, Don’t Nod and Focus Entertainment have opted to push the release of their new game, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, out of its November 7th slot.
To avoid launching in a busy gaming period in Q4 2023, the developer and publisher duo have shifted the release date of Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden to February 13 2024. In their announcement JPEG on Twitter they say that although the game is finished and ready to release they want the game to get the spotlight it deserves. They also state the new date is perfect for an epic love story; the day before Valentine’s Day. You can see the original announcement below.
Banished Into 2024
Since the pandemic, we’ve gotten used to developers dropping an image full of text on their social media channels. Either lamenting a delay to the release or addressing a poorly received launch. Generally, the reason usually given for a delay is to provide developers with more time to finish and polish the product. That is perfectly understandable, especially as we’ve become more aware of poor working conditions for developers who are forced to crunch to meet existing deadlines. However, in my opinion, moving a game release around the uncontrollable release dates of other games is a slippery slope.
Yes, on one hand, this move allows the game’s release to avoid the post-Spider-Man 2 window. That period that will (presumably) see the releases of Thirsty Suitors, CoD: MW3, The Man Who Erased His Name, Persona 5 Tactica, and Don’t Nod’s own Jusant. But the new date is also surrounded by notable releases. January and February will (again, presumably) contain Tekken 8, Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Suicide Squad, Persona 3 Reload, and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. To be honest, I’m glad I don’t have to make these kinds of creative and business decisions because I can’t decide which set of games would be better to be up against.
Either way, I’m still excited to play Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden when it does eventually launch on PC and Consoles next year. The trailer below shows off some of the combat Red and Antea will be involved in, as well as a sneak peek at a choice mechanic for influencing the outcome of certain events. With Don’t Nod’s pedigree in creating emotional stories I expect we’re in for a roller coaster.
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