The highly anticipated sequel to the popular shake-and-breaker management sim, Prison Architect 2, has been hit with an indefinite delay. This comes just a couple of months after publishers Paradox parted ways with the original developers, Double Eleven. The current developers, Kokku, have announced that they will be using the additional time to improve both the game’s performance and its content.
In addition to the delay, Paradox has made the decision to remove the option to preorder the game until a “robust” release timeline is established. Existing preorders on all platforms will be refunded, with all preorder-exclusive items being added into the base game. This decision has left fans disappointed and uncertain about the future of Prison Architect 2.
A Troubled Journey
The road to Prison Architect 2 has been a rocky one. Originally released into version 1.0 in 2015 by developers Introversion, the first game quickly became an RPS favourite. The property rights were later sold to Paradox in 2019, who then put Double Eleven in charge of ongoing development. The announcement of the sequel earlier this year was met with both excitement and concern, particularly surrounding the new 3D graphics.
Despite passing certification on all platforms, Paradox and Double Eleven were unable to find a commercial agreement that worked for both parties. This led to the decision to part ways, leaving the future of Prison Architect 2 uncertain. A Paradox representative explained in a forum post that the scope of work needed before the game is release-ready is being reassessed. This has forced a halt in communication with fans until a new release timeline is established.
Complex Systems and Performance Issues
Prison Architect is known for its deep and intricate systems that interact with each other. The post from Paradox explains that these systems are integral to the gameplay experience and must be carried over to the sequel. However, making even small changes to one area can have a ripple effect on others, leading to additional fixes and improvements. The task of improving performance has proven to be challenging and time-consuming.
Questioning the Direction
One of the core questions surrounding Prison Architect 2 is whether the transition to a 3D camera complements the theme of control that the game embodies. Some critics, like Brendy, suggest that the top-down 2D view of the original allowed for quicker understanding of information. The shift to 3D may not align with the overbearing control theme that defines the Prison Architect franchise.
The delay and uncertainty surrounding Prison Architect 2 align with Paradox’s recent commitment to reviewing and improving the quality of their released content. CEO Fredrik Wester has openly acknowledged mistakes in past projects and emphasized the need for change. Recent decisions to end partnerships with certain developers reflect a desire to prioritize quality over quantity.
The setback faced by Prison Architect 2 underscores the challenges of game development and the importance of prioritizing quality and player experience. As developers continue to work on improving the game, fans remain hopeful that the sequel will live up to the expectations set by its predecessor.
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