After multiple delays, System Shock’s remake is now targeting a March release

Nightdive has confirmed its System Shock remake is targeting a March 2023 release window.

The crowd-funded remake has been in development since 2016, and remaster specialist Nightdive has previously committed to releasing the game in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021.

Writing in a new Kickstarter update, the developer insisted that circumstances were different this time, as it looks to take what it called the “last major steps” towards finally releasing the game.

“As some of you have already pointed out this is not our first time announcing a tentative launch window, but over the past few years much has changed,” it wrote.

“The scope and scale of the project has evolved dramatically and with Prime Matter joining the project it’s enabled us to focus on quality-of-life improvements, bug fixing, and localization support – the last major steps towards releasing a game we’re all incredibly proud of.

“This has also given us time to go back and polish various aspects of the game that needed that extra shine.”

The update also offers a look at some of the new visual effects and enemy variants planned for the final game.

Last year Nightdive Studios clarified the status of the long-missing-in-action System Shock 3, claiming that it’s now up to Tencent if the sequel gets made.

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Speaking to VGC at Gamescom, Nightdive CEO Stephen Kick claimed that the rights to the third game, which it had originally granted to Austin-based Otherside Entertainment, had subsequently been sold on to the Chinese conglomerate.

“So Tencent currently has the rights to the third game, and we have the rights to do the remake of the first game and potentially a remake of the second game. That’s pretty much where it stands right now.”