The long-awaited RPG’s development was rebooted in 2021, with the project’s reins being handed to a new studio.
When Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was announced originally back in 2019, there were many who were surprised that a sequel to the original cult classic had even been greenlit, and in a roundabout way, development issues have gone on to plague the project. In 2021, publisher Paradox Interactive had been announced that the RPG’s development was going to be rebooted and would be shifted over from previous developer Hardsuit Labs, and since that announcement, updates on the game have been next to non-existent.
It seems, however, that that’ll be changing in a few months’ time. In an update recently published on its official website, Paradox Interactive has confirmed that it’ll begin showing the game off once again in September this year.
“It’s been quite a while between updates while we’ve had our heads down working on the game,” the company said. “We remain just as dedicated to delivering a great Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines game as we were when we announced, and are looking forward to showing you more in September this year.”
Paradox has also confirmed that, given how long it’s been since digital and physical pre-orders were first opened up for the game, and how much has happened with the project since then, it will begin processing refunds for pre-orders. All physical pre-orders will be automatically refunded, while those who pre-ordered digital versions can also ask for refunds if they wish.
“We acknowledge it was a long time ago that many of you pre-ordered Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2,” Paradox said. “As development continues, we will be updating the game’s editions and bonus content, and we want to provide the best value to those of you who supported us via digital pre-order after all this time. We are thus offering refunds to anyone who has pre-ordered any edition of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. As part of this process, we are proactively refunding all pre-orders of physical products, including the Collector’s Edition. The digital versions of the First Blood Edition, Unsanctioned Edition and Blood Moon Edition remain, but can be refunded if you choose.”
A new batch of screenshots from Vampires: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has also been revealed. You can check them out below.
As for who is now leading development on the project, that remains to be seen. After Hardsuit Labs was taken off the project, though it was initially in danger of being cancelled altogether, Paradox Interactive confirmed in November of 2021 that it had been taken over by a new studio. Though that studio has yet to be revealed, roughly a year ago, the publisher said development was “in good hands”.
In November last year, Paradox also said that there was a chance Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 could launch in 2023, and that a firm release date for the title would be announced “reasonably soon”.