In a nutshell

• REPLACED has been delayed to April 14, 2026, to allow for final bug fixing and stabilization.
• Developer Sad Cat Studios confirmed the game is “technically finished” but requires a few more weeks of polish.
• The playable demo remains available on Steam for players wanting a preview of the cinematic platformer.

Sad Cat Studios and publisher Thunderful have announced a short delay for their highly anticipated 2.5D retro-futuristic action platformer, REPLACED. Originally slated for an earlier window, the game is now scheduled to launch on April 14, 2026, for PC and Xbox Series X|S.

Aiming for a Stable Day One Experience

In a statement released today, the Gothenburg-based Sad Cat Studios explained that the decision to shift the date by a few weeks stems from a desire to deliver a version of the game that is “polished, stable, and true to the vision” shared with fans.

As a small team working on their debut title, the developers emphasized the importance of this final stretch in ensuring the high-fidelity pixel art and complex animations meet player expectations.

“While the game is technically finished, reaching this final stretch has shown us that we need just a few more weeks to ensure the experience is exactly what you deserve,” the studio stated. “We want the version of REPLACED you play on day one to be polished, stable, and true to the vision we’ve shared with you.”

Feedback from Steam Demo

The studio also credited the community’s response to the recent Steam demo as a primary motivator during the final stages of development. The feedback gathered from players has been instrumental in identifying the “final tweaks” needed to refine the gameplay.

REPLACED has garnered significant attention since its reveal due to its striking “hi-bit” aesthetic, blending cinematic platforming with fluid, flow-based combat. Set in an alternative 1980s America, players take on the role of R.E.A.C.H., an artificial intelligence trapped in a human body against its will.

Despite the delay, the demo remains live on Steam, offering a glimpse into the atmospheric world and combat mechanics that have made it one of the most wishlisted titles on the platform.