Delays in games releases have become less common in recent years as publishers and developers strive to make their set deadlines and release dates, with many a developer working overtime to do so.

But every now and then a game with an expected and marketed release date does fail to make that date and gets delayed.

Delays can be caused for various reasons be it simply the current product not meeting expected standards and the developers want more time to do the job properly. Or as we have seen recently with the high profile delay of Rayman Legends on the Wii U in order for Ubisoft to port the previously Wii U exclusive to other platforms.

We asked the N-Europe Staff and Forum Members for their opinions. Here's what they had to say

Delays have been a part of gaming almost since the beginning of gaming as a mainstream hobby, and those of us in the EU have taken delays in translation to multiple language as part and parcel of the experience. The horrific and some would say, unnecessary delays in bringing the original Animal Crossing to the GameCube are a case in point - multiple languages in a text-heavy and time-dependant title meant that European gamers got the game just as the rest of the world was getting bored with it.

However, what's worse is when a game is rushed out to meet a deadline and the finished product is more like a slap in the face to consumers. The E.T. Tie-in game is cited so much as to be an apocryphal example, but the reference is justified: rush a game and end up with a sub-standard product. However, now we are living in a time where broadband Internet is widely available, do patches and bug fixes post-release are an increasingly viable option for lazy developers or even developers who have bitten off more than they can chew.

Fallout: New Vegas and Skyrim - both from Bethesda (although the former primarily developed by Obsidian) are two recent examples: sprawling, enormous experiences that could not possibly have been fully debugged as the numerous disappointing game-breaking bugs demonstrate. But is it better to get the game out on time and fix the problems later? It's a risky strategy as there is a serious danger of alienating the less dedicated gamers who are seeking a more low-intensity investment in the hobby: spending hours downloading essential patches to make their £40 game actually playable is not at all an enticing prospect.

Then again, releasing too late runs the risk of losing momentum from the initial expectations. Franchise-loyal players may well be willing to hold out for another few months, but again, the casual hassle-free gamers will likely just spend their money on something else that appeals to them that is immediately available. It's best that developers do their utmost to minimise delays in the process, but then again, releasing sub-standard product is just as likely to damage future sales. Trust is a precious commodity.

- Iun Hockley, N-E Staff Writer

When I look at myself, I couldn't care less if a game was delayed or not, because I'm forever set with my backlog.

I also think that delaying a game to give it that extra polish is indeed a good thing, because some games are just a pure work of art where the developers are trying to convey certain feelings/emotions/experiences to the player. This process works best if 'men in ties' don't continuously want things out the door as quick as possible.

I guess the bottom line for me is that I really lament the fact that it's a business and that terrible things can happen when we keep using the equation 'money = time'.

- Fused King, N-E Forum Member

You all know Miyamoto's famous quote when it comes to delayed games, and in some cases, it's true. Delaying a game is sometimes required as the timeframe was initially too ambitious, or the developers need extra time to polish the game. A few months can mean the difference between a good game and a great game.

There is, however, the risk of delayed games falling into development hell. As evidenced by Too Human and Duke Nukem Forever, extremely long delays and rewrites can lead to messy and underwhelming final products. Delays also create the risk of the game feeling old before it's released, such as with Aliens: Colonial Marines (and that has been delayed even longer on Wii U). This may also be the case that the game was simply shown off way too early - which is probably why Nintendo are staying quiet on many Wii U and 3DS games at the moment.

The case of Rayman Legends is a unique one. It's a game that was delayed once it was finished, and delayed for what we can only guess is marketing reasons. I feel that this second delay - it was originally a launch title - will make the game feel outdated in September, especially if they release a second demo now. I suspect that this, along with the negative feeling the decision to not make it exclusive, will result in very poor sales.

- Dean Jones, N-E Staff Writer

To quote Miyamoto: "A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad". Wise words Miyamoto-san. I'm very happy to give devs the time to finish a game properly though companies sometimes rush games out to make the Christmas market. Take Monolith Soft's new game "X", I'll happily wait as long as it takes for them to complete this game because I know it'll be worth the wait. You know it'll be released when it's as close to perfect as can be. Zelda and 3D Mario are another 2 examples.

However delaying a game that is pretty much close to gold, that the developers have bent over backwards to get it out the door and when the Wii U audience is crying out for games is not a good idea. There's no doubt this game will suffer because of its delay. It has soured peoples opinion of Ubisoft. When this game does release, hopefully there will be more games on the market for the Wii U and it'll be vying with these for market success. If it's facing up against 1st party Nintendo titles, we know who'll win. It'll also suffer competition from other platforms, e.g. GTA 5. This is smacking of deja vu. It's Origins all over again. It got creamed last time out and will likely happen again.

Then there's the marketing side of things. Will it meet with consumer burn out by the time it's released? I can see their point of view and reasons for doing this but will MH3U be delayed so? Somebody always has to take the first steps in a consoles lifetime and it can be rewarding. I never heard Ubisoft complain about Red Steels sales. A game can also drive console sales. Another example is Aliens: Colonial Marines. I don't see any mention of Wii U in their promotion of the game. Is the game being held back to wait for Wii U version to finish development? No. Will it have it's own advertisements on TV? I sincerely doubt it and sales will be down as a result of people not waiting and buying it on other platforms in the mean time.

- Wii, N-E Forum Member

Delays anger people when they suspect there is an ulterior motive. There is nothing wrong with a game taking a long time to make (as with Nintendo's 3DS titles), but it becomes a problem when there are other reasons for the delay. Worst of all is when the delay is so a game can be made available on multiple formats with different capabilities and controllers. Though it is a fine game, I cannot shake the annoyance that Twilight Princess was delayed for the Wii and that the GameCube version does not have all the functionality it was once meant to, such as shield control. Withholding a finished game is an enormous insult as it is like saying to gamers "You're not allowed your version until the other ones are ready".

-Grazza, N-E Forum Moderator

If the N64 taught me anything it's that patience is well rewarded as far as Nintendo is concerned. The wait for some of those games, specifically Rare games, was excruciating at times but always worth it. However back in those days there was no opportunity to download patches for games with bugs etc, so you had to get it right first time or not at all (unless you faced the shame of recalling stock to replace like wwf no mercy!).
Ultimately I would much rather wait for a product to be finished and ready to play rather than a broken shambles that sours the experience and you have to wait for downloads etc to compliment the game. Which makes me slightly worried about Nintendo, it didn't bother me at all as I knew in advance through this site, but an hour long download just to start using the advertised features on the Wii U seemed unlike them, I understand why, but why didn't they push the launch back instead of courting potentially bad press, which did turn out to be the case.
Also in the cube era me and my mates had a ritual, every Friday morning at 6th form we would head to our local GAME and pick up the latest release, religiously and regardless of reviews etc, a game a week! The glory days, which have long gone, less disposable income means I would rather have more space in between games to make the most out of each one, I bought eternal darkness and star fox adventures on the same day, so both suffered as a result! Which is why for example (just an example) I personally would be happy to see Lego city delayed IF needed, because I will be picking up Monster Hunter 3 on both platforms and want to invest as much time in that as possible before moving to my next game, which will be Lego city. However I understand people would want vice versa or cry uproar at that notion, but I hope you know what I mean.

- Kaepora_Gaebora, N-E Forum Member

Delays are frustrating, but they are sometimes warranted as often the end result can turn out to be better than expected, in these cases delays are justified as patience eventually pays dividends.

In cases where games are seemingly delayed without explanation though, it's understandable that fans may get upset but ultimately it's up to the developers to do what they think is best for the long-term sales of the title, it all comes down to money one way or another.

Personally for those 'special' games, the ones that only come around once every half a decade or thereabouts, I would say that I'm happy enough to wait it out safe in the knowledge that the game will eventually come out and will most likely be of the very highest quality but delays are still an annoyance, one that we as gamers must endure and it's at these times when the 'backlog' is a blessing rather than a curse.

- Sam Gittins, N-E Staff Writer

Surely the general consensus is that a game should be delayed if it isn't ready, rather than rush it out to meet an arbitrary deadline. Fans will understand, or at least accept the delay. It's not like it's a rare occurrence for video games to be delayed. I would much rather a game be delayed and finished properly than play a rushed and hashed together game.

If a game is truly finished though, it should be released as soon as it is!

- The Peeps, N-E Forum Member

There are some cases where delays are necessary. It all depends on the context given. If the delays are related to the addition of more in-game content, or for the inclusion of worthwhile multiplayer modes, then there may be some use for them. However, what can often frustrate gamers are the delays which occur where seemingly very little is done to better the game.

With the case of Rayman, I feel every WiiU owner is entitled to feel angry. This delay isn't for the inclusion of better modes for WiiU owners, it doesn't do a single thing to better the game. You will be playing the exact game now 6 or 7 months down the line, except you will have had to have waited for that opportunity. If you are a 360 or PS3 owner, then you've just gained a potential game, which is great for them. What is the incentive exactly for WiiU owners?

The truth is that there are none. The problem is that Ubisoft should never have announced this as an exclusive if they had no intention of keeping to their promise. If they had simply said from the start that they would be releasing this on all systems, with a WiiU-specific game to make use of the controls, I'm sure there would be very few complaints. There's nothing stopping Ubisoft from releasing the game next week.

- Fierce_LiNk, N-E Forum Moderator

Gamers always have, and always will, play the waiting game. It's part of the anticipation building, frustration, then sheer elation of receiving a 'quality' product, that would not have reached that high standard if rushed. Too many developers these days feel they can rush out an unfinished product with many flaws and just release patch after patch. I prefer to wait for a product that is perfect from the outset with everything included as standard from the moment it's sold, to the moment I complete it. Gamers these days seem to be waiting for patches more than games.

- Londragon, N-E Forum Member

I'm more than happy for a game to be delayed when the developers need more time to finish the title, especially if it means I get a complete game and don't have to wait around downloading day one patches.  When a game has been given a set release, which is merely three weeks away and is highly anticipated by most Wii U owners, though? That seems like such a kick in the teeth.

I can see why Ubisoft may have made this decision. The Wii U isn't doing quite as well as they'd hoped and to get some decent returns on the title, making it a multi-format release may have been the only option. They could have handled the situation so much better though.

What's worse is the fact that the Wii U version is complete. Ubisoft could have released it on Wii U, in this software drought, with some relative success and then continue that success on Xbox 360 and PS3 in September. They certainly didn't mind taking this route with the 3DS release of Origins.

Whether or not it will hinder sales remains to be seen. It will most certainly not help with excitement for the title. I still remember Twilight Princess, I was so desperate to own that game back in 2005, but when it finally released in late 2006, all of my excitement for the game had diminished and to this day, I haven't felt the urge to play it.

Twilight Princess is possibly the best comparison for Rayman Legends. Both titles had a dedicated following on a console with a small user base. Both titles were delayed and released on consoles with much more users.

In the case of Twilight Princess, whilst many GameCube owners were furious, the game did enjoy great success on the Wii anyway. Whether or not this tactic will be as successful for Rayman as it was for Twilight Princess remains to be seen, but something tells me Ubisoft may have made a very bad choice.

- Josh Philiipps, N-E Staff Writer

Game delays for development issues are normal and to be expected.

A game being "delayed" due to a company having no faith in the console they're releasing their game on is a totally different matter. I use the term delayed in quotations because this isn't really a delay in the conventional sense - Ubisoft pulled Rayman Legends as an exclusive because the Wii U is performing horribly. They probably realised this shortly after getting the ZombiU numbers in and realised their error a little too late to escape the ire of fanboys across the globe.

While I agree the timing of the announcement couldn't have been be worse, Nintendo actually deserve more of the blame than Ubisoft.

Nintendo have failed to generate sufficient enthusiasm for Wii U outside of their usual circle of die-hard fans. Nobody wants one because most people have no reason to want one - who cares about amazing new hardware when all you have to play on it is a collection of rushed ports and a lazy rehash of the same inferior Mario game we've been playing for the last ten years?

"Oh, but Nintendoland!" protest the fans, neglecting the fact that Nintendoland should have been packed in with EVERY Wii U console free of charge as a system demo, just like Wii Sports.

"But what about ZombiU, Guy? You conveniently forgot all about that one, didn't you!" they scream triumphantly.

ZombiU's sales are probably one of the main reasons Rayman Legends isn't coming out in a few weeks. By releasing it as a bundle with the Wii U system, both Nintendo and Ubisoft were counting on it to be a main system seller. I'm sure ZombiU is a good game, but evidently not good enough to install anywhere near enough Wii U consoles in homes to make a Wii U exclusive Rayman Legends financially viable at this stage.

I'm sure the system will eventually present some remarkable software, but right now the Wii U is dead on the shelves.

- Guy, N-E Forum Member

Perhaps the most talked about subject in Gaming at the moment, Delays. They happen in all aspects of life, whether unexpected or not we all face delays at some point, there are also times when we ourselves enforce delays on others. My point being, that this is a normal occurrence especially in the Video Games Industry.

Rayman Legends was originally being prepared for a launch day release for the Wii U, yet Ubisoft had decided to push it back and release it towards the end of the launch window. After months of talk, a teasing Demo and many website & magazine impressions/previews, Gamers were eagerly anticipating the launch of Rayman Legends until Ubisoft had decided to not only delay the title once more, but also break it's exclusivity to the Wii U. Rayman Legends will now be released as a multi-platform title for the Wii U, PS3 & Xbox 360 that will be simultaneously released in September.

I'm happy for the title to be released across multiple platforms, that's a great move as it means more gamers will have the chance to experience (what looks to be) a great game. However, for many Wii U gamers this was a very poor move. Rayman Legends was being developed over time with the Wii U in mind and the GamePad at heart while trying to encompass some of Nintendo's concepts when it comes to game design. It was hyped by both companies over a considerable amount of time and a lot of care has gone into this title and now we have to wait till the end of Q3 2013 for a game that was once prepped for a launch day Wii U release.

Why? It was not delayed due to developmental reasons as Ubisoft has stated themselves:

So then the most significant reason for this must have been the benefits of a cross-platform launch, instead of an exclusive release. This is also the case as Ubisoft has said:

This is understandable. Ubisoft is a well known brand, a big 3rd Party and large company. At the end of the day their main goal would be profit maximisation like any other company. On the other hand, if they were a company that truly valued all of their customers then perhaps the best plan of action would have been to set Rayman Legends as a timed-exclusive for the Wii U and have it released for PS3 & 360 gamers in September. That would have been more justly.

Also had Ubisoft stuck to their recent release date for Rayman Legends on the Wii U then, I think this would have been more rewarding for Ubisoft as this game would launch at a time without other Major 1st or 3rd party titles competing for the pockets of gamers, this may well have been the perfect window to launch a game. The current software tie-in ratio for the Wii U is low and had Ubisoft released Rayman Legends then this would have been THE stand-out choice for many gamers to purchase.

Even though this was a poor move for Wii U owners, this doesn't mean that we should boycott Ubisoft, of course not. That will only make things worse, but I won't be surprised if some fans end up doing so. Ubisoft has been working closely with Nintendo for the best part of two years. They have been the biggest supporter of the Wii U through their words and their actions, they've backed Nintendo's new home console better than all other 3rd Parties so far, and they have also given the industry a fantastic example of a launch game done right in ZombiU. An excellent title that makes use of the Wii U's innovative design to an exemplary degree.

Of course with this latest hot topic comes the expected statements such as "NINTENDO IS DOOMED!!1!" and unnecessary articles that already question the Wii U's relevance, despite launching a few months ago. Losing an exclusive such as Rayman Legends is a blow, as it's a title that has been in the minds of many gamers for quite some time now, but this isn't a system seller, you could also argue that it may not be a top-multi-million seller either especially when you look back and see the statistics for Rayman Origins. It doesn't change the fact that a fantastic looking title has now been delayed yet again, and now gamers will have to wait for a considerable amount of time for game that has been finished for what seems to be, quite some time.

There's much more to come from the Nintendo Wii U this year let alone mid-to-long term plans. It may have been a glum day when the Wii U lost an exclusive title, but I have no doubt that it's future is bright.

...and no, Ubisoft. An exclusive Demo is not enough...

- Dem0, N-E Forum Moderator

Like people have said, a rushed game is no good. If a game is delayed for the sake of its quality, then by all means, do it. Release it when it's ready, don't let it become Sonic 2006.

The case with Rayman Legends is something else altogether, though. There are ulterior reasons as to why it's being delayed, and that's a much bigger pill to swallow.
We deal with that sort of thing all the time, though (we are European, after all. We've seen finished-game-delays plenty of times before), it may not be easy, but we've accepted that it has to happen from time to time.

But then there's the ultimately unacceptable: delaying the game when the release date is right around the corner. It's dangling a carrot on a stick for the fans that were anxious about the game. If you're setting and advertising a release date, stick with it. If you must delay, do it months from the release, not weeks.
The ulterior motives I mentioned are just salt on the wound, not the main problem.

- Jonnas, N-E Forum Member

I think Grazza's post is spot on. However as Guy (and others) mentioned, there's different kinds of delays - is it because the game isn't ready or because of other reasons?

Personally, I know it's going to happen and whatnot etc, but I don't really like delays or think them acceptable too often. Game not ready in time? That's not my problem, you're in the business of developing games - get it done! Don't announce dates and games that aren't going to happen, it isn't like delays are brand new news to you. I think it shouldn't happen, and thus I'm always might suspicious when delays occur.

Going off tangent a little, I'd like it more now if games got closer universal/worldwide releases too. I know EU needs more translation etc, but for example the 3 month wait with a huge title like Brawl just irked me so much(despite my import copy) - I don't think it's fair to let it happen. I think in some ways my opinion is heightened by the evolution of the internet, the 'online world' and people being more aware of things faster - big game delays then risk you seeing spoilers, and can embitter some as they're not part of the experience whilst its happening. I know these sound pretty petty, but I think it shouldn't have to happen.

Re:Rayman Legends - that's a bang out of order delay, and imo a terrible move by them for Nintendo - why not just release the Wii U version as it's ready? Send the others along when they're done later - the wii u's already suffered similar with its enhanced ports, why can't it happen the other way around?

TO sum, essentially: Personally I don't think a game should be dated unless it can meet that obligation. I don't want vague Q1, Q2s etc that then slip to Q3, Q4 - I want Q1 that turns into a solid date in said Q1, or not at all. If you can see the end in sight, don't date it.

-Rummy, N-E Forum Moderator