Prison Architect 2 will now be released in May, so the team can 'identify more bugs and further optimize the game'

Cartoon prisoner jumping
(Image credit: Paradox Interactive)

Prison Architect 2 has officially been delayed and now has a new release date of May 7, 2024. 

After first being announced in mid-January, the original release date for this upcoming prison creation and management simulation game was set for March 26, 2024. Unfortunately, this has been pushed back after "careful consideration," according to a press release. 

"While we are already confident in the quality of the game, we would like to use some extra time to identify more bugs and further optimize the game for all platforms," the press release explained. "Although sticking to the original launch date was an option, we feel that taking this additional time is necessary to ensure that we offer a smoother experience to our players from day one."

Despite this delay, fans will still be able to see some proof of life when it comes to Prison Architect 2. "We also want to show you how the development of the game is going in these final stages, which is why we'll be starting streams up in March to go alongside our Prison Architect Academy series," an official forum post reads. "Stay tuned to find out the dates and times for these."

The Prison Architect 2 team also explained how it would like to use this time to invite the community to help build this upcoming game. You can send suggestions and vote for certain aspects on the official Prison Architect 2 forum. While it would be fantastic to play this forthcoming simulation game as soon as possible, delaying it to ensure it's as solid as possible at launch is a sound reason for the delay. 

Prison Architect 2 will be available to play on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 on release and currently has a suggested retail price of $39.99 / £34.99 / €39.99.

For more excellent games, check out the best simulation games and the best story games, which are all available to play right now. 

Elie Gould
Features Writer

Elie is a Features Writer for TechRadar Gaming, here to write about anything new or slightly weird. Before writing for TRG, Elie studied for a Masters at Cardiff University JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries – spending their free time filming short docs or editing the gaming section for their student publications. 

Elie’s first step into gaming was through Pokémon but they've taken the natural next step in the horror genre. Any and every game that would keep you up at night is on their list to play - despite the fact that one of Elie’s biggest fears is being chased.