The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima Risk COVID-19 Delay, Admits Sony

• Sony says the production of games from first-party and partner studios are on track.
• But, the company warns that the coronavirus pandemic means there’s a risk of delays.
• Ghost of Tsushima and The Last of Us Part II are in the firing line.

Despite efforts to maintain operations in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Sony says that the production of games from first-party and partner studios risk delays.

In a press release published today, the gaming giant explained that there are no issues as it stands, and it foresees ‘no material impact,’ but it isn’t discounting delays to upcoming PlayStation titles. It reads;

Sony is carefully monitoring the risk of delays in production schedules for game software titles at both its first-party studios and partner studios, primarily in Europe and the U.S.

The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima In The Firing Line

While the company stopped short of naming specific games, it is likely referring to The Last of Us Part II, due for release in May, and Ghost of Tsushima, slated for release at the end of June.

Work on both titles hasn’t ceased, but developers are now widely working from home, which has redefined the pace of day to day development. Production schedules will naturally be affected. Limited access to workstations, worker sickness, and the hurdles imposed by virtual communication rather than face to face interaction will be factors.

We must also consider the implications for distribution networks, as we’ve already seen. Both Capcom and Square Enix have openly admitted that they are struggling to distribute physical copies of Resident Evil 3 Remake and Final Fantasy VII Remake in select markets in time for release.

There’s No Smoke Without Fire

A delay to The Last of Us Part II seems unlikely. With a slated release date of May 29 fast approaching, development is as good as complete. The game is likely to go gold in the weeks ahead in time for the pressing of physical copies.

Ghost of Tsushima is more of an unknown quantity. PlayStation and developer Sucker Punch announced only earlier this month that the game launches June 26.

Given PlayStation’s habit of throwing its marketing might behind one title at a time, the potential for Ghost of Tsushima’s delays will depend on whether The Last of Us Part II launches as scheduled. If Naughty Dog’s title is delayed, PlayStation will push back Ghost of Tsushima to avoid the two games competing for the attention of players and the media.

As it stands, both are on track, but Sony’s warning suggests there are internal signs that delays may be inevitable. As they say, there’s no smoke without fire.