Kerbal Space Program 2 is now looking for a late 2021 launch, moving their release window from March 2020.
The delay comes from issues coming from the COVID-19 pandemic that stopped the development cycle. According to a tweet, the dev team from Private Division for Kerbal Space Program 2 is “working hard to make the best and most authentic KSP sequel possible.”
This move is the second shift from the KSP 2 dev team. The original delay slated for late 2020 to early 2021. The pandemic is still causing unexpected delays and less production time for the game.
KSP2 community positive about delay announcement
The announcement for the delay came out today on the team’s official Twitter account.
“We understand that this isn’t the news you were hoping to see, but ultimately we need to make the best decision for the development of Kerbal Space Program 2,” the image noted.
The community is perceptive of the announcement. Many Twitter responses note that the fans are amenable with the delay if it assures the game’s polish and health of the devs.
In November, the team delayed the game to “allow more time to make the experience as terrific as possible.” The sequel will have significant expansions to the game that sold more than 2 million copies by 2017.
Additions will include interstellar vehicles and even colony builders. The game also plans to include new propulsion technologies, together with a multiplayer feature.
Heads up Kerbonauts, we've a message from mission control for you.#KSP2 pic.twitter.com/aa1aTEloXG
— Kerbal Space Program (@KerbalSpaceP) May 20, 2020
Kerbal Space Program active with updates and partnerships
While KSP 2 is getting delays, the original game is getting stronger than ever with more frequent updates. Recently, a Kerbal Space Program update will add two official space missions in partnership with the European Space Agency.
The ESA update will recreate the BepiColombo mission in-game, together with the Rosetta mission from 2004.
Last week, the game also partnered with NASA to challenge players to recreate the upcoming SpaceX mission to the ISS. The entire mission will involve a Falcon 9 rocket and will carry two astronauts on the Dragon capsule.
“We are excited to partner with ESA to bring their actual missions and spacecraft to Kerbal Space Program for the first time,” said Private Division exec Michael Cook. “It is an honour to work hand-in-hand with such a world-class space organisation, and we cannot wait for fans to experience these monumental missions with the Shared Horizons update.”
Fans who are waiting for Kerbal Space Program 2 can spend time in KSP while they wait. The first game will have more updates that can keep players occupied until the sequel’s release.
Feature image courtesy of Private Division/Youtube Screenshots