Today, Herman Hulst, Head of Worldwide Studios, SIE revealed some very exciting news for PlayStation fans as two of the most highly-anticipated games of the year have new release dates. The Last of Us Part II was delayed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the second time that the game was delayed. The first came shortly after the release date was revealed during Outbreak Day where Naughty Dog shared new footage and details about what everyone can expect from the game. Ghost of Tsushima was announced to be released on June 26. Both games will release this Summer with The Last of Us Part II getting released in June instead and Ghost of Tsushima following in July.

“As our teams at Sony Interactive Entertainment and Worldwide Studios approach development milestones and confront a world changed by COVID-19, we find ourselves having to adapt to today’s ever-changing environment. Amidst some disruptions to our working styles, we wanted to provide an update to PlayStation gamers who are eager to learn when our next exclusive titles will arrive to PlayStation 4,” Hulst said on the PlayStation Blog. “As we begin to see an ease in the global distribution environment, I am pleased to confirm that The Last of Us Part II will arrive on June 19. And Ghost of Tsushima will follow on July 17.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the video game industry in a variety of ways. Studios have had to adjust how they work, many events have been canceled or are being changed including E3 2020 and Gamescom. Networks have been adjusted to accommodate the rise in usage, and publishers including PlayStation are dealing with the issue of distribution as the pandemic has prioritized essential items getting delivered which means that not everyone will be getting a copy of their game on time. Because of this, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII Remake early so everyone had a chance to play it which led to more than 3.5 million copies being shipped and sold digitally worldwide in three days.

The news of The Last of Us Part II‘s new release date comes shortly after plot details were leaked but with the game coming out in a couple of months…(fingers crossed), hopefully, fans or anyone interested in the game can hold out just a little bit longer to see what’s in store for Joel and Ellie.