Uncharted 4 Delayed to Spring 2016

Sony has delayed the released date for Uncharted 4 to spring 2016, the company has announced.

Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley, the two directors heading up the project at Naughty Dog, said the postponement was necessary to ensure the PlayStation 4 game matches the high expectations from fans.

"Since we showed you our first gameplay reveal of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, more of the game and story have come together, and it's become clear to us that this game is much more ambitious than we originally envisioned," both said in a prepared statement.

"After spending so many years with Nathan Drake, he means a lot to the team, and telling the climactic chapter of his adventures is a task we don't take lightly--this game deserves every bit of the attention to detail, precise pacing, and nuanced storytelling Naughty Dog is known for.

"So we've made the difficult choice of pushing the game's release date. Giving us a few extra months will make certain that Uncharted 4: A Thief's End not only meets the team's high standards but the high standards that gamers have come to expect from a Naughty Dog title."

Uncharted 4 was scheduled to arrive at some stage in 2015, though Sony had not specified a final release date.

The delay is the latest sign of the industry's challenges in moving their production schedules in sync with next generation technology. Previously delayed AAA games include Driveclub, Bloodborne, The Witcher 3, Watch Dogs, and Batman Arkham Knight.

Both Druckmann and Straley said they understood frustrations regarding the delay.

"Thank you for your patience--we know the extra wait will be excruciating, but you'll see it will be worth it as we reveal more about Uncharted 4 over the next year," the duo said.

"The team at Naughty Dog will be heads down working through 2015 making sure that Nathan Drake's story gets the closure it deserves. Come spring 2016, you and Nate are in for one thrilling, emotional ride."