The latest rugby video game - Rugby 24 - was due for release on 7 September, the day before the first game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
It was a perfect release date with rugby hype at its zenith; a hype that is needed with the stock of rugby games having fallen severely over the last decade.
However, developers Big Ant Studios and publishers Nacon have issued a statement revealing that the game will not be released until 30 January, the day before the first game of the 2024 Six Nations.
While it may come as a bummer to fans, they have said that the reason for the delay is due to 'an expansion in content development', and that the extra time will enhance the gameplay.
Rugby 24 Will Not Be Out In Time For Rugby World Cup
Dear rugby fans, we have an important announcement about #Rugby24. pic.twitter.com/5RtqvwwWKq
— RUGBY 24 (@rugbythegame) August 31, 2023
READ HERE: Ireland's 5 Wildest Rugby World Cup Moments
You can read an excerpt from the statement below:
"Ever since we began developing the game Rugby 24, our goal has been to create the best simulation and most complete game possible. The team has been working hard to adjust the gameplay, represent the sport as accurately as possible and integrate all the officially licensed teams, which include over 130 countries and 15 leagues.
"With this massive expansion in content, the development of the game has taken more time than we originally planned, and we have also had difficulty gaining access to some of the top teams’ players to capture 3D photos (photogrammetry) prior to the World Cup.
"As we want to bring the most authentic and complete rugby game to date, we have taken the difficult decision to push back the Rugby 24 release date to 30 January 2024, on the eve of the Six Nations tournament. This extra time will also aid development and allow us to further enhance gameplay."
SEE ALSO: The Definitive Ranking Of Every Nation's Home Jersey At The 2023 Rugby World Cup
