Crackdown 3 delayed to February 2019 (update)

Crackdown 3 has once again been delayed, according to a report on Kotaku. Polygon has confirmed the delay with a source close to the project who spoke anonymously to protect their career. Originally scheduled for release in 2017 and more recently set for a vague spring 2018 release window, Crackdown 3 is now scheduled for a 2019 release, with publisher Microsoft giving the project additional development time.

Announced at E3 2014 with a flashy cinematic trailer that promised destruction on a skyscraper scale, Crackdown 3 has faced a number of setbacks throughout its lengthy development. Between 2014 and 2017, the game made few appearances at big game conferences and events. A rare demo at Gamescom 2015, focusing on online multiplayer destruction, seemed to show progress. But at E3 2017, a much-anticipated campaign demo was met with a lukewarm reception.

Co-developed by Reagent Games and Sumo Digital, the project recently saw the departure of series creator David Jones. In January, Epic Games acquired Jones’ cloud tech company Cloudgine, installing Jones as Epic’s director of cloud and esports strategies.

Two sources familiar with the game’s release plan told Kotaku that Microsoft hopes to give the development team the time it needs to avoid yet another disaster, referencing recent cancellations (Scalebound, Phantom Dust) and the closure of Lionhead Studios.

Crackdown 3 is still expected to appear at Microsoft’s E3 2018 press event. Microsoft did not immediately provide comment when contacted.

Update (June 7, 7:30 p.m. ET): In a statement given to Windows Central, Microsoft confirms the release date of Crackdown 3 has been moved to February 2019:

“Our fans’ response to the signature antics and explosive gameplay of Crackdown 3 has been incredible. To ensure we deliver the experience they deserve, Crackdown 3 will be launching in Feb 2019. We look forward to sharing more on Crackdown 3 this Sunday during the Xbox E3 2018 briefing.”