Summary
After the success ofPrison Architect, it is only natural thatPrison Architect 2would be greenlit. However, unlike the first game,Prison Architect 2seems to have a lot actively working against it. The game looks and plays differently, the original developers are not involved, and Paradox’s DLC model has pushed some fans away. And if that was not enough, recent developments have putPrison Architect 2’s fate in an even tougher position.
Not only hasPrison Architect 2suffered from delays, but Double Eleven also suddenly handed off the project to Kokku a couple of weeks ago. While there are many reasons why a developer would change, having this happen before the game has even hit store shelves is a troubling sign. Couple that with all the other problems potentially facing the prison simulator, and the game’s future may hang in the balance. Unless the studio is able to craft something truly game-changing, it might prove incredibly challenging to match the original game’s success.
Prison Architect 2 May Have a Tough Time Matching Its Predecessor
Prison Architect 2 Was Already Facing an Uphill Battle
The secondPrison Architect 2was officially unveiled, it had a lot to prove to players. One of the biggest reasons for that was that Paradox had already scorned some forthe way it had treatedPrison Architectthese last couple of years. After an incredibly successful early access period and some great post-launch updates, Introversion Software ended up selling the game to Paradox in 2019. Not even a year later, Double Eleven began churning DLC packs out.
Since the sale, there have been 10 different DLC packs of varying sizes over the span of five years. Many of these packs received mixed reviews from fans as they did little to expand upon the game, and instead seemed to break much of the core experience. Because of that, some of the community seems to be yearning for a return to the days of Introversion. And even though Double Eleven has finally sunsetted that original game, withthe release ofPrison Architect 2on the horizon, there are likely even more DLC packs planned for this next chapter.
Along with the DLC packs and lack of Introversion’s involvement in the sequel, the transition to 3D is also putting some players off. Based on the early gameplay videos,Prison Architect 2seems to be lacking the charmof the original. Additionally, the art style Double Eleven chose can feel a bit rough around the edges. While there is a chance the contents of the game make up for that, as of now, many fans do not seem that excited about its potential.
Recent Developments Have Made it Even Harder for Prison Architect 2
Recently,Prison Architect 2has also been faced with another hurdle that no one really saw coming. Almost a month after being delayed from May to September, Double Eleven made the announcement that it was leavingPrison Architect. Apparently, the contract with Paradox had been fulfilled, and neither studio was able to come to a commercial agreement moving forward. So, both have mutually parted ways andPrison Architect 2has been handed offto Kokku.
While Kokku has been working on the sequel with Double Eleven since the fall, this sudden change in developers is not a good look for the game. Even if there was something going on behind the scenes, it does little to get fans excited about this already controversial sequel. Instead, it makes it seem likePrison Architect 2may be in a bit of trouble, with some being reminded ofRollerCoaster Tycoon World’s development cycle, which resulted in an extremely negative reception.
All of this just means thatPrison Architect 2will have a lot to prove to players when it finally hits store shelves in September. There is a chance that the game’s fate has already been sealed, but if not, then it needs to come out of the gates swinging. Because if it suffers from technical issues or lacks the content players have come to expect, then the brand will likely come crashing down. So, hopefully, Kokku is able to deliver.
Prison Architect
WHERE TO PLAY
Will you build and manage a prison to create social order where it’s failed in the past, offering rehabilitation and peaceful coexistence amongst inmates? Will your prison disregard human rights, impose intentional harshness and be devoid of any notions of wellbeing and freedom? The choice is yours.Acting as both architect and governor, you control every detail of your Prison - from building new cells and facilities to hiring staff and creating reform programs - all while dealing with informants, contraband smuggling, gang warfare, full scale riots and more!Once your prison is built, go online with World of Wardens to share your designs with the community. You can also browse and play other Architects’ prisons from around the world!
