Xbox Exclusive Replaced Delayed: 'At This Point We Can't Afford to Release a Sub-Par Game'

ign.com:

Replaced, an upcoming Xbox console exclusive that has found its way to several most anticipated list thanks to its lavish pixel art, has been delayed to 2024.

Developer Sad Cat Studios announced the delay alongside a production update, stressing that the team "do understand the game's scope" and that development is progressing "at a steady pace." However, the high quality of its visuals, which includes more than 500 "meticulously hand-painted animations made just for platforming," has put the release behind schedule.

"After Replaced's initial announcement in 2021 and its follow-up trailer in 2022 we had this incredible high bar of community's expectations," the team wrote in a statement posted on X. "And at this point we knew that we can't afford to release a sub-par game...This is our first game, and we want to make every aspect of it the best it can be."

Replaced won praise for its rad 2.5D art when it was first announced. It was part of a showcase that at the time left us feeling optimistic overall about Xbox's future. A new Replaced trailer was shown again at The Game Awards 2022, where we called it one of the show's 10 best reveals.

Sharing statement from @sadcatstudios #ICYMI pic.twitter.com/nyxuxJq3Yz

Replaced is set in a dark, alternative 1980s America and features heavy cyberpunk themes. It was previously slated for 2022 only to be delayed by the war in Ukraine.

When Replaced does release, it will join what is expected to a strong year for Xbox exclusives, with potential releases including Avowed, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. It will be a Day 1 release on Xbox Game Pass.

Kat Bailey is IGN's News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at