Last updated on February 19, 2026
Replaced, the highly anticipated 2.5D retro-futuristic action platformer from Sad Cat Studios, has been delayed yet again. The game was scheduled to launch on March 12, 2026, but will now release on April 14, 2026, on PC and Xbox Series X|S . This marks the fifth time the release date has been pushed back since the game was first revealed at E3 2021.
Why Was Replaced Delayed This Time?
In a statement shared on social media, Sad Cat Studios explained that while Replaced is “technically finished,” the team needs a few more weeks to polish and stabilize the experience. The studio emphasized that, as a small team working on its debut title, delivering a product that meets both their own standards and community expectations is a top priority.
A key factor behind this latest delay appears to be the feedback received from the game’s Steam demo. Sad Cat described the community response as “the ultimate fuel” for the development team, noting that player comments and reviews are actively helping them make final tweaks to the full game. The studio admitted that putting the demo out was “nerve-wracking,” but the overwhelmingly positive reception gave them the confidence ( and the data ) to fine-tune the launch build.
There is also speculation within the gaming community that the delay may have been partially motivated by a desire to avoid a direct release window clash with Crimson Desert, another major title expected around the same time.
A Long History of Delays
Replaced has become almost synonymous with development delays. The game was originally announced during E3 2021 with a planned 2022 launch window. Here is a timeline of its troubled road to release:
- 2022: The game was first delayed after Sad Cat Studios, a Ukrainian developer, was heavily impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- 2023: The release was postponed again, this time pushed into 2024.
- 2024: Sad Cat Studios acknowledged that its original timeline had been “optimistic” and delayed Replaced to 2025.
- August 2025: The studio announced yet another delay, moving the launch window to spring 2026. Game director Yura Zhdanovich stated the team was “very close to finishing production”.
- February 2026: The March 12 date was scrapped in favor of April 14, 2026, barely three weeks before the planned launch.
The repeated delays have understandably tested the patience of some fans, with community members pointing out that it has been nearly five years since the initial reveal.
What Is Replaced About?
For those unfamiliar with the title, Replaced is a 2.5D action platformer set in an alternative version of the 1980s. The game blends retro pixel-art visuals with a dark, cyberpunk-inspired atmosphere. Players take on the role of R.E.A.C.H., an artificial intelligence trapped inside a human body against its will, navigating a dystopian world filled with combat, platforming challenges, and narrative-driven exploration.
The game is being developed by Sad Cat Studios and published by Thunderful Games (formerly under Coatsink) . It will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and GOG. Notably, Replaced will also be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, making it accessible to subscribers at no additional cost.
What the Steam Demo Tells Us
The release of a playable demo on Steam has given fans their first real hands-on experience with Replaced. According to Sad Cat Studios, the demo response has been overwhelmingly positive, providing valuable real-world feedback that is being used to improve the final product. The studio stated that they are “constantly reading comments” and using that feedback to make the game shine at launch.
This approach, releasing a demo and then adjusting based on player reception, has become increasingly common in the indie game space. It suggests that Sad Cat is committed to a smooth launch experience rather than rushing a product that could disappoint after years of anticipation.
Should Fans Be Worried?
Five delays over the course of nearly five years is a lot for any game, let alone an indie title. However, there are some encouraging signs. The fact that the game is described as “technically finished” suggests this is not a case of fundamental development problems, but rather last-mile polish. The positive demo reception also indicates that the core gameplay and visual identity are resonating with players.
That said, the gaming community’s patience is not infinite. As one Reddit user put it, “it’s been nearly four years since its initial announcement, so it would be really disappointing if this game doesn’t turn out to be great”. The pressure is firmly on Sad Cat Studios to deliver when April 14 arrives.
Replaced April 2026 Release: What to Expect
If no further delays occur, Replaced will launch on April 14, 2026 on the following platforms:
- Xbox Series X|S (including Xbox Game Pass)
- PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and GOG
Players who want to try the game before launch can still download the free demo available on Steam. Given the long development journey and the studio’s commitment to quality, Replaced remains one of the most anticipated indie releases of spring 2026.
