Yacht Club Games has confirmed that Mina the Hollower will not launch on October 31, 2025, as originally planned. The studio explained that the delay will give the team more time to polish gameplay, fine-tune balance, and complete final testing before release.
Statement from Yacht Club Games
In a recent blog post titled “Delay Extravaganza II: The Tail Continues,” the developers said they have been working nonstop to meet the Halloween release window but realized the game still needs additional work. They described the delay as short and necessary to make sure the finished version meets their standards for quality.
According to the team, this extra time will be used to refine design, improve visuals and sound, finalize localization, and run comprehensive platform testing. Yacht Club Games also stated that they will not set a new release date until the game has been fully submitted to all platforms.
“The game is so close to being done,” the post reads. “We’re playing it from start to finish every day. We just need a little more time to polish everything so that Mina’s adventure is as sharp and responsive as we want it to be.”
Development Progress
Despite the delay, progress on Mina the Hollower appears to be in its final stages. The studio confirmed that core gameplay is complete and that the focus is now on balancing and quality control. The delay affects all planned platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and other systems originally listed during the Kickstarter campaign.
Yacht Club Games also acknowledged fans’ patience and support, saying they understand that waiting longer can be disappointing. However, the studio emphasized that the decision is in the best interest of delivering a finished game that feels true to the team’s vision.
Community and Industry Response
Fan reactions have been mixed but generally supportive. Some expressed frustration over the timing, while others pointed out that Yacht Club has a strong history of delivering polished, well-received titles. Given the success of Shovel Knight and its expansions, many players believe the delay will lead to a more stable and satisfying launch.
Industry analysts have also noted that short delays near the end of development are common for independent studios. This period often focuses on platform certification, localization fixes, and last-minute visual adjustments.
What to Expect Next
Yacht Club Games has not provided a new launch window, but based on recent statements, the delay does not appear to be long. The team continues to share behind-the-scenes updates, showing footage from the latest builds and discussing gameplay systems through blog posts and social media.
Given the current pace of updates, many expect Mina the Hollower to release before the end of the year, although that will depend on how quickly platform certification and testing are completed.
The delay may come as a disappointment, but it also reflects a commitment to quality. If Yacht Club Games can deliver the same level of care that made Shovel Knight a lasting success, Mina the Hollower is still on track to become one of the most memorable indie releases of 2025.
