Sad Cat Studios apologized for the delays, citing the need for a polished product and emphasizing their dedication to creating a unique and high-quality experience.

Despite the long wait, the development team remains committed to quality, and the game is expected to be released on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with the possibility of being included on day one for Xbox Game Pass.

The delays have largely been caused by external factors related to the studio's relocation due to geopolitical issues, affecting their development timeline and overall progress.

Originally announced in 2021 with a planned 2022 release, Replaced missed its initial deadline and was later targeted for a 2025 launch, which also did not materialize, leading to further postponements.

The highly anticipated cyberpunk game Replaced has experienced multiple delays since its initial announcement, primarily due to underestimating development time and external challenges such as Sad Cat Studios' relocation from Belarus to Cyprus in 2022, prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The studio has acknowledged the extended development cycle, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a polished product, and recent updates suggest they are close to finishing production, with a likely release in spring 2026.

Replaced puts players in the role of R.E.A.C.H., an artificial intelligence trapped inside a human body, navigating a dystopian society controlled by a corrupt corporation, Phoenix Corp, and inhabited by outlaws outside the city walls.

A recent development update showcases retouched pixel art and improved visuals, highlighting significant progress in the game's aesthetic quality.

Inspired by cyberpunk films like Blade Runner 2049 and Alien, Replaced combines cinematic storytelling with pixel art and free-flow combat, drawing from classics like Out of this World and Flashback to create an immersive experience.

The game features a sidescrolling platformer style set in an alternative 1980s world ravaged by nuclear fallout, societal decay, bioengineering excess, and corporate corruption in Phoenix City.

Studio head Yura Zhdanovich has stated that production is nearing completion, with the game now very close to entering testing phases, and a final trailer is expected later this year, suggesting a release window around spring 2026.

Replaced was first announced at E3 2021 and has been showcased at recent events like Gamescom, where its gameplay, vibrant pixel art, and cinematic mood have been well received, despite multiple delays.

While the game's price has not yet been announced, more details are expected soon, and the release is anticipated to be imminent assuming no further delays.