The oft-delayed Crackdown 3 is finally slated to release in February 2019. Crackdown 3 is the long-awaited sequel to the 2010 Xbox 36o exclusive Crackdown 2, which itself was a sequel to the 2007 title Crackdown that became famous for releasing with an access code to the Halo 3 multiplayer test beta. If it wasn’t for that initial release strategy, the Crackdown series might never would’ve become one of Microsoft Studios’ premiere first-party titles.
Although Crackdown was never as popular as some of the other Xbox exclusives, it still had quite a devoted fanbase, which is why Microsoft Studios has been pursuing a third installment for several years now. Crackdown 3 was first announced in 2014 with plans to release the game in 2016, but it was eventually delayed to 2017 and then to 2018. And now, Crackdown 3 was again delayed to 2019, just a few days ahead of Microsoft’s E3 2018 press conference.
Windows Central reports that Crackdown 3 is currently targeting a February 2019 release date. This isn’t the first time Crackdown 3 has had an announced release window. While consumers may be cautious to believe Microsoft this time around, it’s worth noting that the studio has never added a month to Crackdown 3’s release before.
The reason for the (many) delays have been because Microsoft felt Crackdown 3 wasn’t ready yet. However, the word is that things are finally beginning to change in that arena. According to Windows Central, Microsoft wants to elevate the Crackdown franchise to the same level of popularity as Halo and Gears of War. To make that happen, Crackdown 3 needs to be the best game possible and the studio is trying to reach that mark. The reason that Crackdown 3 is missing its previously announced 2018 release date is to put the extra polish on the game that it needs to hit that goal.
Whether Crackdown 3 is the critical and commercial success that Microsoft wants it to be is for gamers to decide. However, there’s no denying that the company needs some big exclusive wins for the Xbox One. In 2018, the only big exclusives Microsoft Studios has released thus far has been State of Decay 2 and Sea of Thieves. Neither received much praise, both seem rushed, and both have been catered to very niche markets and certain types of gamers. Sea of Thieves has its fans but it’s not the system seller that Microsoft needs for the Xbox One and it’s had insane player dropoff due to its lack of content and problematic launch.
Crackdown 3 might not be that game either, and there wasn’t much hype for this one from previous showings. Right now, Microsoft is handling the development of the game correctly by delaying it until it’s finally what they need it to be but need to step up with new exclusives for this year. And given that this news comes just days before E3 2018, fans should expect to hear more about Crackdown 3 during Microsoft’s press conference this weekend.
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Source: Windows Central
