Developing video games is a complex undertaking, often involving hundreds of individuals and years of work. While many titles eventually reach completion, some fall into what is known in the industry as "development hell," enduring protracted development cycles. Historically, some games have eventually emerged from this limbo, like Metroid Dread and Skull & Bones, while others are canceled, and a select few remain in perpetual development. Here are five games that have been in development for more than 10 years without public playable builds.
Beyond Good & Evil 2
Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil 2 has become a prominent example of a game stuck in prolonged development. Pre-production began in 2007, marking 19 years of work. Despite the extensive timeline, Ubisoft confirmed in January 2026 that the project remains active, being one of six not canceled. The game is envisioned as a space-faring open-world action-adventure and a prequel to the original. Early reports suggested a character creator and an RPG-like structure. Trailers were shown in 2008 and 2009, with a significant showing at E3 2017, followed by another in 2018, which was the last public glimpse of the game.
Squadron 42
While its sibling title, Star Citizen, has had playable alpha versions since 2014 and has secured over $1 billion in funding, Squadron 42, its single-player counterpart, has been less visible. Announced shortly after Star Citizen in 2012, this first-person shooter is set within the same universe. Originally slated for a 2014 release, it may represent one of the longest delays. Cloud Imperium Games stated in December 2025 that the game was fully playable and feature-complete, targeting a 2026 release. However, with limited time remaining in the year and no further announcements, this date appears increasingly uncertain. The game is planned as an episodic release, with the first episode expected to be up to 20 hours long, and boasts a cast including Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, and Henry Cavill.
Project Awakening
Revealed in 2018 but first announced at Cygames Next in 2016, Project Awakening has been in development for an extended period. A vertical slice shown to the press at E3 2018 depicted a knight battling a large monster, with combat mechanics compared to Monster Hunter and Dragon's Dogma. Footage presented at the Cygames Tech Conference in 2021 focused on terrain and weather systems. Cygames CEO Koichi Watanabe described development as "progressing steadily" in a 2021 interview with Famitsu, indicating the game is beginning to take form.
Grand Theft Auto 6
Grand Theft Auto 6, highly anticipated, entered pre-production in 2014, with full development commencing in 2018, resulting in a 12-year cycle. While delays have shifted its release from Fall 2025 to May 2026, and most recently to November 19, 2026, the development itself has not necessarily been indicative of deep trouble. However, the studio has faced challenges, including a major data leak in September 2022 that revealed details about dual protagonists and the return to Vice City. In April 2024, Rockstar Games mandated employees return to office work, citing productivity and security concerns, which drew backlash. In October 2025, 34 employees were reportedly fired amid alleged unionization efforts.
The Wolf Among Us 2
Following the success of the 2013 original, The Wolf Among Us 2 was announced in 2017 with an initial 2018 release target. Delays pushed it to 2019, and Telltale Games subsequently closed down, leading to the sequel's cancellation. The studio was revived by LCG Entertainment, and development of The Wolf Among Us 2 began in collaboration with AdHoc Studio, composed of former Telltale employees. After further delays through 2023 and 2024, and with AdHoc Studio departing the project, the game was re-revealed in 2026. If it meets its planned 2027 release window, it will have been in development for nearly a decade. The sequel is planned to have five episodes and is expected to feature a darker tone than its predecessor.
