Arc System has delayed Guilty Gear Strive to 2021

Arc System Works’ Guilty Gear Strive has been delayed until early 2021.

The Japanese developer confirmed the news in a Twitter post on Friday, which explained that “every aspect” of the game’s development had been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“In addition, we have decided to set up a schedule to further improve the quality of the game responding to everyone’s help and dieback from the recent closed beta test,” read a message from producer Takeshi Yamanaka.

“We apologize sincerely to everyone who has been anticipating the release with keen excitement. Ourselves, we are dedicated to bringing you a new Guilty Gear game that will satisfy all of our fans.”

Strive, the next main instalment in the popular fighting game franchise, was set for release on PlayStation 4 in late 2020.

The game is set to be published by Bandai Namco outside of Japan and South Korea. The publishing deal reconfirms the relationship between the two companies, after their collaboration on 2018’s Dragon Ball Fighter Z.

A closed beta test for Guilty Gear Strive was held last month.