‘Let us normalize delaying games’: DayZ creator says players ‘have the power’ to tell platform holders delays are okay

February 19, 2026 - 01:58

In a refreshing take on the industry's often-criticized crunch culture, Dean "Rocket" Hall, the creator behind the survival classic DayZ, is advocating for a fundamental shift in perspective. He argues that players themselves hold significant power to normalize game delays, encouraging a healthier development cycle.

Hall's comments follow the announced one-month postponement of the console release for his current project, Icarus. Rather than framing the delay as a setback, he positions it as a necessary step for quality, one that should be met with community support. He directly challenges the intense pressure from platform holders and market expectations, suggesting that a vocal player base accepting of delays can positively influence corporate timelines.

"Let us normalize delaying games," Hall stated, emphasizing that a rushed, broken product benefits no one. He believes that if consumers collectively signal that receiving a polished, complete game is worth the wait, it grants developers crucial breathing room. This stance champions sustainability over relentless deadlines, proposing that player understanding can be a catalyst for ending the cycle of crunch and releasing unfinished titles. The call is for a new industry standard where a delay is not a sign of failure, but a commitment to excellence.