Developing a video game is an arduous process, and for some titles, this journey stretches into years, even decades, earning them the industry moniker of being stuck in "development hell." While some games eventually emerge, like Duke Nukem Forever or Metroid Dread, others are eventually canceled. However, several high-profile games remain in this limbo, with some finally showing signs of nearing completion.
Beyond Good & Evil 2
Ubisoft's highly anticipated Beyond Good & Evil 2 is arguably the most prominent example of a game lost in development hell. Its pre-production began in 2007, meaning it has been in development for 19 years. Despite the extended period, Ubisoft confirmed in January 2026 that the game is still being worked on, distinguishing it from six other projects that were canceled. This open-world space action-adventure serves as a prequel to the original game. Reports suggest players can create their own characters, and the game leans more towards an RPG than its predecessor, featuring travel between diverse planets, each with unique societies and quests. Initial trailers appeared in 2008 and 2009, but the most significant public showing was at E3 2017, followed by a trailer at E3 2018. No further public presentations have occurred since.
Squadron 42
Cloud Imperium Games is also navigating a lengthy development cycle with Squadron 42, the single-player component of Star Citizen. Announced shortly after Star Citizen in 2012, with an initial release target of 2014, it may hold the record for the longest delay beyond its original launch date. While Star Citizen has had a playable alpha since 2014, Squadron 42 has remained elusive. In December 2025, the developer stated the game was fully playable and feature-complete, with a 2026 release window. However, with only months remaining in the year, this target appears increasingly unlikely. The game is an ambitious episodic first-person shooter set in the Star Citizen universe. The first episode is expected to be up to 20 hours long, with two more planned. It boasts a star-studded cast including Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, Gillian Anderson, and Henry Cavill, among others. Further updates on its release are anticipated.
Project Awakening
Officially revealed in 2018, Cygames' Project Awakening was first announced at Cygames Next 2016. A behind-closed-doors gameplay demonstration at E3 2018 showcased a knight battling a large monster, with combat described as a blend of Monster Hunter and Dragon's Dogma. More recent footage emerged in 2021, focusing on technical aspects like terrain and weather generation, followed by a glimpse of a soldier overlooking a landscape. Cygames CEO Koichi Watanabe has described development as progressing steadily, with the game beginning to take shape after more than a decade in production. This action RPG promises realistic movement and an expansive world.
Grand Theft Auto 6
Grand Theft Auto 6, which entered pre-production in 2014 with full development commencing in 2018, represents a 12-year development cycle. While not strictly in "development hell," the project has seen its share of turbulence. The game experienced several shifts in its release date, now slated for November 19, 2026. A significant leak in September 2022 exposed extensive development footage, confirming details like dual protagonists and a return to Vice City. In April 2024, Rockstar Games mandated employees return to office work, citing productivity and security concerns, which sparked backlash. Further controversy arose in October 2025 with the alleged firing of 34 employees amid unionization efforts. Despite these internal challenges, Rockstar maintains that development has not been significantly impacted.
The Wolf Among Us 2
The Wolf Among Us 2, the sequel to Telltale Games' acclaimed 2013 title, was announced in 2017 with an initial 2018 release target. Following Telltale's closure and subsequent revival by LCG Entertainment, the sequel faced multiple delays. Development is now underway in collaboration with AdHoc Studio, comprising former Telltale employees. However, AdHoc Studio later withdrew from the project due to disagreements, and Telltale itself experienced further layoffs. The game was re-revealed at Summer Game Fest 2026. With its scheduled release window of 2027, the game will have been in development for roughly ten years. The sequel is said to feature a darker tone than the first game and will consist of five episodes, much like its predecessor.
