Rocksteady and Warner Bros. Games have officially delayed Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The action-adventure shooter starring DC's titular group of baddies was supposed to release next month but has now been pushed back to next year. It will now launch on February 2, 2024.
News of the delay shouldn't come as a surprise. News of the delay actually broke last month from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier although neither Rocksteady nor Warner Bros. Games had acknowledged it. And while there was speculation that it could be pushed to next year, now it's official.
"We have made the tough but necessary decision to take the time needed to work on getting the game to be the best quality experience for players," Rocksteady wrote on social media. "Thank you to our amazing community for the continued support, patience, and understanding. There is much more to share in the months ahead and we look forward to seeing you in Metropolis next year."
The delay comes just a few months after Rocksteady had given fans an in-depth look at Suicide Squad's gameplay during the PlayStation State of Play showcase. The once highly anticipated game was met with mixed reception, although most of the criticism was directed towards its live-service approach. Although the shooter gameplay looked generic, regardless of which character was being played, it was serviceable. The main point of contention was the fact that Suicide Squad would rely on controversial live-service elements, such as a battle pass, microtransactions, and an always-online requirement (even if playing the game solo).
If Rocksteady were truly aiming for the "best quality experience for players," they probably start by overhauling the live-service elements and always-online requirements. Unfortunately, they are unlikely to do so. While not confirmed, Schreier initially reported that the delay is "mainly for polish, not to overhaul the core gameplay that caused the backlash." At the time, he said transforming it from a Games as a Service would require a "much longer delay."
Based on the popular comics, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League lets you play DC's most dangerous villains — Deadshot, Harley Quinn, King Shark and Captain Boomerang — who have been brought together and forced to team up to stop the alien invader Brainiac and defeat the world's most powerful DC superheroes, the Justice League.
When Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League does arrive next February, it will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.