Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord’s War Sails DLC: Devs Explain Delay and Late Addition of Naval Battles

War Sails DLC Release Delayed, Custom Naval Battles Added Late

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord’s much-anticipated War Sails naval expansion, initially slated for a June 17th release, has seen its launch date pushed back to November 26th. However, players can already experience the new content, as the DLC is now available. In a recent discussion, senior producer Falk Engel shed light on the decision behind the delay and the late confirmation of custom naval battles.

Behind the Delay

The decision to postpone the War Sails DLC was not taken lightly. Engel explained that the development team needed more time to ensure the expansion met the high standards expected by the player base. This extended development period allowed for crucial refinements and bug fixes, ultimately aiming for a more polished and enjoyable experience upon release. The shift from a June to a November release indicates a commitment to quality over adhering to an initial schedule.

The Late Addition of Custom Naval Battles

Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of the War Sails development was the relatively late confirmation of custom naval battles. Engel revealed that this feature evolved significantly during development. While naval combat was always envisioned, the scope and implementation of custom battles were finalized much closer to the DLC’s eventual launch. This suggests a dynamic development process where features are iterated upon based on internal testing and player feedback, even late in the cycle.

Our Take: Balancing Ambition and Execution

The War Sails situation highlights a common challenge in game development: balancing ambitious new features with realistic development timelines. The delay, while perhaps frustrating for some eager players, ultimately serves the game’s long-term health. The late addition of custom naval battles also points to a development team willing to adapt and refine their vision. For players, this means a potentially more robust and engaging naval experience, even if it arrived later than initially planned.