Kingmakers, the ambitious shooter-strategy hybrid from Redemption Road, has been delayed indefinitely, just a week ahead of its planned early access launch.
Kingmakers devs hold the line on ambition
The October 8 release won’t happen. In a public statement posted on both Steam and X, Redemption Road explained the decision came down to one thing: refusing to cut corners. “We don’t want to compromise features just to hit a date,” they wrote, acknowledging disappointment while stressing they still plan to deliver the full experience fans expect.
Their reasoning wasn’t vague either. The developers pointed to Kingmakers’ complex systems and high goals, claiming they’re not comfortable asking players to pay for a build that isn’t ready.
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Unreal Engine pushed to its limits for Kingmakers
Technical ambition plays a huge role here. Redemption Road claims to have pushed Unreal Engine 4’s codebase further than most, focusing on real 60fps performance across lower and mid-range hardware without resorting to frame interpolation tricks.
Roughly 80% of the studio is composed of engineers, and their focus shows. From AI pathfinding to destructible environments, Kingmakers isn’t shy about its scale.
What makes Kingmakers different?
It’s not just a shooter. Kingmakers drops modern firearms, vehicles, and construction mechanics into a medieval sandbox full of knights, castles, and swordplay. The blend of timelines, technology, and strategy gives it a unique identity.
Here’s what Redemption Road says will be in the full version:
- Real-time battles with tens of thousands of AI soldiers
- Fully destructible environments, including castles
- Enter every room, floor, and corridor
- Drop-in/drop-out multiplayer
- Anachronistic gear like tanks and cars
Delay won’t stop the content
The team isn’t pausing updates. They’re preparing a half-hour gameplay showcase to give players a deeper look at what they’ve already built. This preview will help bridge the gap and keep fans engaged as development continues.
Time-travel irony isn’t lost on anyone
Considering the game’s concept, the delay prompted plenty of jokes about a time-travel game missing its own deadline. But most reactions have been surprisingly supportive. Gamers know rushed launches can wreck potential, and Kingmakers clearly has plenty riding on getting it right the first time.
