Exciting news has hit the gaming world as Hades 2, the highly anticipated sequel, made a surprise entrance into early access, attracting over 100,000 concurrent players. This sudden release has caused a ripple effect in the indie game development community, including impacting the release plans of The Rogue Prince of Persia by Evil Empire.

Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells, had intended to launch The Rogue Prince of Persia into early access on May 14. However, in light of the overwhelming popularity of Hades 2, the studio made the decision to delay its release to allow players to fully immerse themselves in the new game. The studio’s announcement on Twitter cited the widespread engagement with Hades 2 as a key factor in their decision, acknowledging the significance of a major release in the same genre occurring just a week before their planned launch.

While the delay may disappoint fans eagerly awaiting The Rogue Prince of Persia, Evil Empire is using the extra time to refine and enhance the game. The team is focusing on optimizing the Day 1 patch and adding new features to ensure a polished and enjoyable experience for players.

The impact of Hades 2’s arrival extends beyond Evil Empire, with other indie studios expressing solidarity with the challenges posed by such a significant release. Developers from various studios, including Aggro Crab and Crow Country, have shared their support for Evil Empire’s decision while also reflecting on the competitive nature of the gaming industry.

Despite the excitement surrounding Hades 2, some voices in the indie game community have raised concerns about the unexpected nature of its release. Criticisms have been voiced regarding the lack of advance notice given to smaller studios who meticulously plan their launches to avoid clashes with major titles. While recognizing the success and acclaim earned by Hades 2, developers like HeadwareGames have suggested that a more transparent approach to release schedules could benefit the industry as a whole.

The gaming landscape continues to evolve with each new release, showcasing the dynamic and competitive nature of the industry. As players eagerly anticipate the launch of Hades 2 and the eventual arrival of The Rogue Prince of Persia, developers navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing market.