Back in 2018, Ubisoft revealed that its Blue Byte studio is developing a reboot of The Settlers, marking the return of the popular PC city-building and real-time strategy series almost a decade after the previous entry, The Settlers 8: Paths to a Kingdom. However, the original autumn 2019 release window was never met, with the game being pushed back to 2020. Now, another delay has hit the game.
In a new blog post, the developer revealed that it has taken the "difficult decision to postpone the release of the game until further notice." While a new launch window was not given today, The Settlers store page on the Epic Games Store - which no longer offers pre-orders - now shows it will arrive in 2021, though this is probably a placeholder.
The developer said that the delay was to ensure that the final product is "an exceptional gaming experience," and went on to explain:
Since quality is our main priority, we want to take the time necessary to make it right. Therefore, we had to make the difficult decision to postpone the release of the game until further notice. The additional time will be used to address your feedback and deliver the best “The Settlers” game possible.
The reboot project has Volker Wertich attached to it, the original creator behind 1991"s The Settlers. The game will also come with new gameplay mechanics, multiplayer modes, and an island-based system for settling new towns in the fantasy medieval world.
Ubisoft"s own E3-style showcase is set to take place on July 12, which is probably where we will see new release dates being attached to previously delayed titles such as Watch Dogs: Legion, Tom Clancy"s Rainbow Six Quarantine, and Gods & Monsters. There is a chance of The Settlers also making an appearance on the show, maybe with new gameplay footage.