Back in September of 2010 when we witnessed in awe the first 10-minute gameplay demo for Ken Levine and Irrational Games’ BioShock prequel, BioShock Infinite, it already looked beautiful and dreamlike and perfect (enhanced by the 15-minute E3 gameplay demo that followed); perfect enough to being close to a release. But we knew there would be a bit of a wait in store as they perfected the game for a 2012 release, and that only heightened expectation, anticipation, and excitement levels.

Then came a release date, finally: October 16, 2012—over two years after we’d first seen the gameplay demo. But now, sadly, we the impatiently patient will have to wait even longer. Due to how big BioShock Infinite is, it’s been decided to push the game back to February 26, 2013.

Here’s the full statement released by Levine:

A MESSAGE FROM KEN LEVINE

When we announced the release date of BioShock Infinite in March, we felt pretty good about the timing.

Since then, we’ve come to realize that some specific tweaks and improvements will make Infinite into something even more extraordinary. Therefore, to give our talented team the time they need, we’ve decided to move the game’s release to February 26, 2013. We wanted to let our loyal (and very patient!) fans know this as soon as possible.

I won’t kid you: BioShock Infinite is a very big game, and we’re doing things that no one has ever done in a first-person shooter. We had a similar experience with the original BioShock, which was delayed several months as our original ship date drew near. Why? Because the Big Daddies weren’t the Big Daddies you’ve since come to know and love. Because Andrew Ryan’s golf club didn’t have exactly the right swing. Because Rapture needed one more coat of grimy Art Deco.

The same principle now applies to BioShock Infinite.

What does this mean for you? It means a bit more waiting, but more importantly, it means an even better BioShock Infinite. The great can be made greater, and we owe it to both ourselves and to you, our fans, to take this opportunity. Irrational Games is one of those rare developers lucky enough to ask the people who sign the checks: “Hey, can we have a few more of those checks?”

We are also going to hold off on showing BioShock Infinite at the big events of the summer, like E3 and Gamescom. That way, the next time you see our game, it will be essentially the product we intend to put in the box. Preparing for these events takes time away from development, time we’re going to use instead to get the best version of Infinite into your hands in February.

Personally, while I understand and want Irrational to take as much time as they need to to make the game we all want, I also came into 2012 with only three definitive games to be excited for: Mass Effect 3, Hitman: Absolution, and BioShock Infinite. Others have since then come into play, but nothing coming close to the murderer’s row of great games that was lined up for fall of 2011. With Mass Effect‘s head-scratcher conclusion to their trilogy and BioShock‘s departure, I now have an empty void within my gamer soul that’s seeking a surprise champion or two to come in and help Hitman save the year.

But what could they be? I’m in the early stages of The Witcher 2, which is going nicely. GTA V looks most likely destined for 2013. The new Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed titles have shown hints of shaking things up enough in their respective worlds to garner some intrigue. There’s also the unexpected gems that will surely rise up, let’s not forget them.

What games are you most looking forward to in 2012 now that BioShock Infinite has moved out?

[Source: Game Informer]