Back 4 Blood, the spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead franchise has been delayed. The game was originally due out on June 18th, but has now been pushed back to October 12th, a delay of just under 4 months.

In a statement issued by developer Turtle Rock Studios, the decision to delay the game was made in the interest of making Back 4 Blood “the best game it can possibly be at launch”. The developer also announced that an open beta would be coming this summer, though no specific date was given.

In a follow up statement on Twitter, Turtle Rock also cited development challenges as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

We know how excited everyone is about the title and we want to do it, and all of you, right by not rushing it out the door.

Once again, thank you and we hope to see you in the Open Beta this Summer!

(2/2)

— Turtle Rock Studios (@TurtleRock) March 25, 2021

Developed by former Left 4 Dead developers, Back 4 Blood was announced at The Game Awards in December and pits a team of four players against the undead. The game also received positive reception following a short alpha period on PC.

Back 4 Blood will now release on October 12th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.