Xbox players eagerly awaiting the release of Enotria: The Last Song may soon have cause for optimism, as the game’s developer, Jyamma Games, has provided an encouraging update on its availability. Initially slated for a simultaneous launch across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, the Soulslike action game faced an unexpected setback on the Xbox platform, leading to an indefinite delay. However, recent developments suggest that the Xbox version could be closer to release than initially feared.
The Cause of the Delay
Enotria: The Last Song is a hardcore action game that has drawn considerable interest for its challenging gameplay, reminiscent of the “Soulslike” genre. Set against a richly detailed backdrop inspired by Italian folklore, the game was poised to launch on 19th September across multiple platforms. However, the Xbox release was abruptly postponed due to what Jyamma Games described as communication issues with Microsoft.
Giacomo Greco, CEO of Jyamma Games, revealed that the Xbox version had been ready for release alongside the PC and PlayStation 5 versions. However, despite repeated attempts to contact Xbox regarding the necessary submission and certification process, the studio received no response, ultimately forcing them to delay the game on the platform. This situation caused significant concern among the Xbox community, particularly given recent instances where high-profile third-party titles have encountered delays on the platform.
A Turnaround in the Situation
In the days following Greco’s announcement, the situation between Jyamma Games and Microsoft has seen a significant shift. Jyamma Games recently issued an update via social media, confirming that Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, had personally reached out to the studio to apologise for the oversight. More importantly, it was noted that Microsoft is now working closely with Jyamma Games to ensure that the Xbox version of Enotria: The Last Song is released “as soon as possible.”
While the exact timing of the Xbox release remains unclear, this renewed cooperation between the developer and Microsoft is a positive sign. Given that the Xbox build of the game is reportedly complete, there is speculation that the game could still arrive on the platform before the end of the year. Some industry observers have suggested a potential release in October, although this remains speculative at this point.
Broader Implications for the Gaming Community
The delay of Enotria: The Last Song on Xbox highlights the challenges that smaller, independent developers can face when dealing with the certification processes of major platforms. It also underscores a recurring issue for Xbox, which has experienced delays with several major third-party titles in recent times. Last year, for example, the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3 saw its Xbox release delayed due to technical challenges related to the Xbox Series S.
For Xbox players, the delay of Enotria is undoubtedly disappointing, particularly given the anticipation surrounding the game’s release. However, the quick response from Microsoft, and the assurance that the game will be released as soon as possible, may help to alleviate some of the frustration. This situation also serves as a reminder of the importance of effective communication between platform holders and developers, particularly when it comes to ensuring a smooth and timely release of games across multiple platforms.
As of now, Enotria: The Last Song remains set for its 19th September launch on PC and PlayStation 5, with the Xbox version expected to follow shortly thereafter. Jyamma Games has advised Xbox users to stay tuned to their social media channels for further updates, suggesting that a new release date could be announced in the near future.
This incident highlights the complexities involved in bringing games to market across different platforms and the critical role that clear communication plays in this process. While Xbox players have faced a delay, the resolution of the issue between Jyamma Games and Microsoft is a positive development, and it will be interesting to see how the game performs once it finally arrives on the platform.
As the gaming community continues to monitor the situation, the experience of Enotria: The Last Song on Xbox remains highly anticipated. The outcome of this situation could also have broader implications for how future third-party titles are managed across platforms, particularly with regard to ensuring that such delays are minimised.
