Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night from Koji "IGA" Igarashi, will now be released in the first half of 2018.

Creator Koji "IGA" Igarashi has announced that Castlevania: Symphony of the Night spiritual successor Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night will now be released in the first half of 2018. The game had one of the most successful video game Kickstarter campaigns of all time, raising over $5.5 million from more than 64,000 backers, and was originally slated for release in 2017.

In a video posted in the Kickstarter page's updates, Igarashi explains that the release window is being pushed back due to the decision to add a new development team, which he says he is currently "in the process of securing."

"I apologize for the wait," Igarashi said. "However, I'd like to emphasize that I made this decision to absolutely guarantee the game is done right the first time."

"The last thing I want to do is keep our backers waiting, but after receiving such incredible support, I feel responsible for delivering the best product I possibly can. Again, I offer my sincerest apologies."