Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media and its studios means that developers like Tango Gameworks now fall under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. Even so, Microsoft is honoring PlayStation exclusivity agreements that were made prior to the acquisition, which is why Tango Gameworks' upcoming Ghostwire: Tokyo game is in development as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. Originally slated to launch this October, the Ghostwire: Tokyo release date has now slipped to next year.
Tango Gameworks made the announcement on the official Ghostwire: Tokyo Twitter page. A specific release date wasn't announced, but the developers said that the new Ghostwire: Tokyo release date will be at some point in early 2022. The delay is so the developers can deliver an "unforgettable version of a haunted Tokyo" that lives up to their vision without having to sacrifice the health of their team members.
Tango Gameworks then thanked fans for their patience and to deliver "an experience unlike anything else we've ever made." The Tango Gameworks developers then capped off the announcement by saying that more on the game will be shown in the coming months, so it's unlikely fans will have to wait for next year to see more of Ghostwire: Tokyo in action.
Some Tango Gameworks fans may be disappointed by the Ghostwire: Tokyo delay, but it's safe to say that many others likely saw it coming. Besides a couple of Ghostwire: Tokyo trailers, very little has been shown about the game, and it was nowhere to be seen at the latest PlayStation State of Play. The State of Play instead focused most of its attention on another PlayStation exclusive from Xbox Game Studios, Deathloop, which is being developed by Arkane.
Speaking of Xbox, the Ghostwire: Tokyo delay is also going to impact when the game will be available on Xbox platforms. While specifics aren't known, it's likely that the Ghostwire: Tokyo PS5 exclusivity deal will last a year, meaning that it now won't be out on Xbox until 2023 at the earliest. Those hoping to play Ghostwire: Tokyo when it inevitably comes to the Xbox Game Pass service have a seriously long wait ahead of them.
In the meantime, fans should be able to look forward to seeing Ghostwire: Tokyo sooner rather than later. Rumor has it that another PlayStation event will take place next month, so maybe it will make an appearance there. Alternatively, it could show up at Gamescom, the Tokyo Game Show, or even The Game Awards at the end of the year. Whatever the case may be, fans should keep their eyes peeled for more information.
Ghostwire: Tokyo will launch in early 2022 for PC and PS5.