Topware falls out with SouthPeak over Two Worlds delay

Two Worlds II developer Topware has said that its latest RPG has been delayed until 2011 due to a crowded Q4, and that a statement by publisher SouthPeak that the game needs more work is "factually incorrect."

SouthPeak holds the rights to publish Two Worlds II in the US, UK and Australia, and claims the game is incomplete - however, this isn't stopping another publisher, Zuxxex, from releasing the game in other territories in which it holds the rights on October 21.

But the real reason for the delay may be due to ongoing legal problems at SouthPeak. In the UK, its stock has been seized by bailiffs on release and sold off by law firm Fladgate to clear allegedly unpaid debts - with the threat of more action until all monies are recovered.

"A previous announcement made by SouthPeak claiming the game was unfinished, and was being delayed to provide additional development time is factually incorrect," said Topware, which instead blamed a crowded Christmas market for the new release date. "All production, including QA and localisations, on Two Worlds II was wrapped in mid-September."

A day earlier, SouthPeak had cautioned consumers about importing the Zuxxex release of the game, claiming Two Worlds II needed more QA time.

"By importing the game, you're paying more money for something that if you can wait, you'll be able to buy in January at a cheaper price and that will have benefited from heavyweight Quality Assurance (QA) for the North American market."

UPDATE: A spokesperson for SouthPeak in the UK has told GamesIndustry.biz that the delay is not related to any legal issues, and a release date for the game will be announced shortly.

"I can absolutely categorically say that the current situation with Two Worlds II is not connected to previous legal issues. We will officially announce the UK release date for Two Worlds II shortly, to end all this speculation, and we just ask for fans to please remain patient."