A sequel to the original Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines has been underway for about two years at this point and though developer Hardsuit Labs has made significant progress on the anticipated follow-up, the project has nonetheless seen behind-the-scenes turbulence in recent months. Since being delayed significantly beyond its original 2020 release, it appears troubles have only worsened as Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has now been delayed out of 2021 as well.

This revelation was first disclosed in a recent fiscal year report from publisher Paradox Interactive, which cited quality-centric complications during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as a basis for the continued delay of Bloodlines 2. “For us, it is crucial that our games are well received by the players,” the publisher stated. “So we always choose, if possible, to give our development studios the time required to achieve our quality goals.”

In addition to an elongated release window, Paradox also announced the surprise departure of Hardsuit Labs from Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, saying the studio “will no longer be leading the development” of the project. Instead, the publisher has begun working with an undisclosed “new studio partner” to finish up work on the game. “This has been a difficult decision,” Paradox affirmed. “But we are convinced that it is the right way forward to do the game justice.”

In case you are unable to access the website, you can read the Bloodlines 2 Development Update right here. pic.twitter.com/kdTp5gpBJe

— Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (@VtM_Bloodlines) February 23, 2021

Commenting on Hardsuit’s departure, a follow-up post on the Bloodlines 2 website recalled the studio’s “tremendous job” on the project, though, emphasizing the dire need for “a change” before development can be completed. “We’d like to take this opportunity to honor Hardsuit Labs for their efforts and thank them for their hard work on the project,” the post shared. “The studio has done a tremendous job in laying the foundations for the game and we hope that you, the community, will also appreciate their contribution to Bloodlines 2.”

We’re thankful for your continuous support throughout the game’s development. We understand how important this is to you, and we’d love to share more with you. As soon as we can, we’ll let you know what the future development team of Bloodlines 2 will look like.”

The departure of Hardsuit Labs from Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is surely unusual, but high-profile firings aren’t exactly unheard of for this project. Last August also saw two creative leads exit the project, namely, lead narrative designer Brian Mitsoda and creative director Ka’ai Cluney, under equally sudden circumstances. Both personnel – Brian Mitsoda in particular – were mentioned as being particularly instrumental to the direction of the game. Hopefully, with the aid of its “new studio partner,” Paradox can finally bring the awaited game home.

What do you think? Are you worried about the status of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, or do you feel this “change” could be for the game’s benefit? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:

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