Both the EA games the Sims 3 and Godfather 2 had significant delays announced today. The Sims 3 was originally slated for February 20th but that has been changed to a June 2nd release date. The Godfather 2 was scheduled for later this month as well, but has now been given a release time frame of between April and June of this year.
The Sims 3 was my most anticipated game for ths month, it's easy to say that my heart broke when I heard this news. Not much was said in the press release about why the game was delayed but 1UP.com quotes Russell Arons, vice president of marketing for EA as saying: "The June launch combined with the break-through game the team is building gives us the perfect runway to create awareness for The Sims 3. The Sims 3 will be the original IP summer blockbuster of 2009 as we build off the success of the best-selling PC franchise of all time to create awareness with both loyal Sims fans and new players."
Godfather 2 was on a lot of peoples radars as well, and looks to be a rather fun game. The Godfather 2 press release was rather vague as well, but Joystiq.com has EA CEO John Riccitiello saying: "To be honest with you, we looked at the title, title feels very solid It will appeal to its audience well and it was likely to ship, as we had originally planned it, into a very cluttered, price reduced excess inventory channel both in North America and Europe in a heavy competitive environment. We didn't think it would get its best shot at success in [fiscal] Q4."
It is sad and rather curious that both of these games got delayed at the same time - but whatever it takes to ensure us the best quality of game, I accept the delay.
