Windjammers 2 is delayed until 2021 so developers can add rollback netcode

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Dotemu wants to encourage competitive play.

Windjammers 2, the sequel to the 1994 Neo-Geo digital frisbee game, was announced in 2018, with launch expected to take place in 2019. But when 2019 rolled around it was pushed into early 2020, and now that we're in the final stages of late 2020, it's been delayed again, to sometime in 2021.

Dotemu attributed the delay to "mixed opinions" about some of the features seen in the Windjammer 2 demo that was playable in June, particularly with regard to the lack of rollback netcode, which helps compensate for wonky connections during online play. It's a common feature in online fighting games and Dotemu said it was important to have some implementation in Windjammers 2 because its online mode "is also meant to encourage the competitive community to get into the game."

Unfortunately, the work required to add rollback means the game won't be out until 2021.

"This decision is a tough one and it has serious consequences for all of us but we think it's fair enough if it allows us to give you the Windjammers 2 you expect and you deserve," the studio wrote. "Windjammers 2 is an ambitious project that we love and that we cannot ruin with wrong decisions that could jeopardize its quality."

Dotemu said that a specific release date will be revealed "in due time."

Andy Chalk
Andy Chalk
US News Lead

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.