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Think GTA 6 Is Taking Too Long? Here Are the Longest Waits for a Video Game Sequel

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - July 10th 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Cropped DOOM — 20. Doom (2016) – Doom 3 (2004) → 12 years

After *Doom 3* took the franchise in a slower, horror-tinged direction in 2004, fans had to wait a full 12 years before the series roared back with *Doom (2016) –* and what a comeback it was. Abandoning the slower pace and flashlight-holding tension of its predecessor, the 2016 reboot went back to the franchise’s roots: fast-paced, brutally satisfying gun play, and nonstop demon-slaying action. It felt both like a return to form and a reinvention, embracing modern mechanics without losing the spirit that made *Doom* iconic in the first place. The long wait paid off in pure, chaotic glory. | © id Software

Cropped mother 3 — 19. Mother 3 (2006) – EarthBound / Mother 2 (1994) → 12 years

Few cult classics in gaming have the emotional pull of *Mother 3*. After *EarthBound* captured hearts in 1994 with its quirky humor and offbeat RPG style, fans anxiously awaited a follow-up. That follow-up didn’t come until 2006 – and only in Japan. Despite the 12-year wait, *Mother 3* delivered a powerful, emotional narrative that tackled surprisingly heavy themes. The game’s absence from a global release only added to its legendary status, with fans still campaigning for an official English localization nearly two decades later. It remains one of gaming’s most cherished hidden gems. | © Nintendo

Cropped alan wake 2 — 18. Alan Wake 2 (2023) – Alan Wake (2010) → 13 years

Thirteen years after the original, *Alan Wake 2* finally emerged from the shadows – and it was worth the wait. The first game built a loyal fan base with its Stephen King-inspired narrative and eerie atmosphere, and Remedy Entertainment spent over a decade teasing its return. With advances in technology and storytelling, the sequel pushed the series into full survival horror, while deepening the mystery and lore. For fans of narrative-driven horror games, *Alan Wake 2* was both a long-overdue return and a major evolution in the genre. | © Remedy Entertainment

Cropped Duke Nukem Forever — 17. Duke Nukem Forever (2011) – Duke Nukem 3D (1996) → 15 years

No list of delayed sequels is complete without *Duke Nukem Forever*. Originally announced in the late '90s, the game became a running joke in the industry due to its constant delays and development troubles. By the time it finally hit shelves in 2011 – 15 years after *Duke Nukem 3D –* gaming had changed dramatically, and *Forever* struggled to keep up. Critics were harsh, but some longtime fans were just relieved it actually released at all. It stands today as a cautionary tale of development hell and shifting industry standards. | © Gearbox Software

16. Psychonauts 2 (2021) – Psychonauts (2005) → 16 years

When *Psychonauts* launched in 2005, it didn’t light up the sales charts – but it quickly gained a cult following thanks to its imaginative world and quirky characters. That love eventually helped make *Psychonauts 2* a reality 16 years later, thanks in part to fan support and crowdfunding. The sequel retained the charm and humor of the original, while expanding on its themes and refining the gameplay. It was a rare case where a long wait paid off with a sequel that not only honored its roots but also felt fresh and relevant in today’s gaming landscape. | © Double Fine Productions

15. Killer Instinct Reboot (2013) – Killer Instinct Gold (1996) → 17 years

Fighting game fans from the '90s will remember *Killer Instinct* for its stylish visuals, brutal combos, and thumping techno soundtrack. But after *Killer Instinct Gold* in 1996, the franchise vanished for 17 years. Then, in 2013, it returned with a bang as a reboot title for the Xbox One launch. The new *Killer Instinct* modernized the combat while staying true to its roots, featuring an evolving roster and seasonal content updates. It wasn’t just a nostalgia play – it became a respected name in the modern fighting game scene, proving that even after nearly two decades, there was still fight left in the series. | © Double Helix Games / Iron Galaxy Studios

Cropped Narc 2005 — 14. Narc Reboot (2005) – Narc (1988) → 17 years

The original *Narc* was a gritty, over-the-top arcade shooter that made waves in 1988 for its then-controversial themes and bold style. Fast-forward 17 years, and the franchise was reborn in 2005 with a reboot that tried to recapture that edgy spirit. Unfortunately, the updated version leaned heavily into shock value and faulty mechanics, leaving many fans and critics unimpressed. While it certainly earns its place on this list for the long wait, the reboot is often remembered more for its missed potential than for reviving the series in any meaningful way. | © Midway Games

Toe Jam Earl Back in the Groove — 13. ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove (2019) – ToeJam & Earl III (2002) → 17 years

For those who grew up with Sega in the '90s, *ToeJam & Earl* were the ultimate funk-loving alien duo. After *ToeJam & Earl III* dropped in 2002, the series disappeared for 17 years, only to return in 2019 with *Back in the Groove*. Funded through Kickstarter and developed with direct fan input, the game was a love letter to the original, bringing back the rogue-like exploration and funky vibes that made the series stand out. The return was met with warmth and nostalgia, proving that the right blend of old-school charm and modern polish still resonates. | © HumaNature Studios

12. Shenmue III (2019) – Shenmue II (2001) → 18 years

Few sequels have been as highly anticipated – and as long delayed – as *Shenmue III*. After *Shenmue II* left players hanging in 2001, the story of Ryo Hazuki remained in limbo for 18 years. Fans kept hope alive through petitions, forums, and fan campaigns, and in 2015, a surprise Kickstarter announcement finally set the wheels in motion. Released in 2019, *Shenmue III* stuck closely to its roots, offering the same deliberate pacing, slice-of-life gameplay, and martial arts drama. While it didn’t reinvent the formula, it delivered the long-awaited continuation fans had dreamed about for nearly two decades. | © Ys Net

R Type Final 2 — 11. R-Type Final 2 (2021) – R-Type Final (2003) → 18 years

In the world of side-scrolling shoot-’em-ups, *R-Type* has always held a special place for its challenging gameplay and iconic biomechanical design. After *R-Type Final* in 2003, the series went quiet – until *R-Type Final 2* finally arrived in 2021, marking an 18-year gap. The sequel kept the hardcore gameplay intact while updating visuals and adding modern features like ship customization and global leaderboards. It was made for the fans, by the fans, and even involved crowdfunding to help bring it to life. A true passion project that proved the shmup genre still has loyal pilots. | © Granzella Inc.

Cropped F Zero 99 — 10. F-Zero 99 (2023) – F-Zero Climax (2004) → 19 years

For nearly two decades, fans of Nintendo’s futuristic racing franchise were left wondering if *F-Zero* had crossed the finish line for good. After *F-Zero Climax* launched in 2004 exclusively in Japan, the series went into hibernation – until *F-Zero 99* surprised everyone in 2023. While not a traditional sequel, this chaotic, 99-player battle royale racer brought new life to the franchise with a modern twist. Though some fans still long for a full-blown story mode or console revival, *F-Zero 99* was a bold, high-octane return that proved there’s still fuel in the tank. | © Nintendo

Cropped Kid Icarus Uprising — 9. Kid Icarus: Uprising (2012) – Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (1991) → 21 years

*Kid Icarus* was long considered one of Nintendo’s forgotten franchises – until 2012’s *Kid Icarus: Uprising* broke a 21-year silence. The return of Pit came with a complete reimagining of the gameplay, blending rail shooter mechanics with third-person action and a surprisingly rich story. Directed by *Super Smash Bros.* creator Masahiro Sakurai, the game delivered high-energy combat and witty dialogue that gave the series a new identity. It wasn’t just a nostalgic revival – it became one of the Nintendo 3DS's most unique and ambitious titles. | © Nintendo

Baldurs Gate 3 — 8. Baldur’s Gate III (2023) – Baldur’s Gate II (2000) → 23 years

RPG fans waited over two decades to return to the Forgotten Realms in *Baldur’s Gate III*, and the wait proved to be well worth it. With *Baldur’s Gate II* setting the gold standard for party-based RPGs in 2000, expectations were sky-high. When Larian Studios took the helm, they reimagined the franchise using modern Dungeons & Dragons rules and deep, cinematic storytelling. Released in 2023, *Baldur’s Gate III* became a critical and commercial phenomenon, praised for its freedom of choice, robust character interactions, and tactical combat. It redefined what an RPG could be. | © Larian Studios

Cropped Wasteland 2 — 7. Wasteland 2 (2014) – Wasteland (1988) → 26 years

Before *Fallout*, there was *Wasteland –* a gritty, post-apocalyptic RPG that laid the foundation for many that followed. But after its 1988 debut, the series vanished for 26 years. It wasn’t until 2014 that *Wasteland 2* finally emerged, thanks to a passionate fan base and crowdfunding efforts. Developed by inXile Entertainment and helmed by the original creators, the sequel retained the series' tactical combat and branching choices while modernizing its presentation. It was a long time coming, but for old-school RPG fans, it was a triumphant return from the nuclear ashes. | © inXile Entertainment

6. Streets of Rage 4 (2020) – Streets of Rage 3 (1994) → 26 years

The beat-’em-up genre may have faded in the late 1990s, but *Streets of Rage* left a legacy strong enough to demand a comeback. After *Streets of Rage 3* wrapped things up in 1994, the franchise went silent for 26 years – until *Streets of Rage 4* brought Axel, Blaze, and the crew back to the streets in 2020. With hand-drawn animation, revamped combat, and a killer soundtrack, it hit all the right nostalgic notes while modernizing the formula. For fans of old-school co-op action, it was the revival they never stopped hoping for. | © Dotemu / Lizardcube

5. Battletoads Reboot (2020) – Battletoads Arcade (1994) → 26 years

For a game that became notorious for its punishing difficulty and chaotic co-op, *Battletoads* was oddly absent for over two decades. After the arcade version dropped in 1994, the toads went underground – until they made their colorful comeback in 2020. The reboot kept the spirit of the original intact: over-the-top humor, wild level variety, and brutal beat downs. Though it divided some fans with its cartoonish art style, the game delivered fast-paced action and couch co-op fun that felt both retro and refreshingly modern. It was a long-overdue return to one of gaming’s most infamously tough franchises. | © Dlala Studios / Rare

4. Windjammers 2 (2022) – Windjammers (1994) → 28 years

After building a cult following in arcades and on the Neo Geo, *Windjammers* spent 28 years as a beloved but dormant franchise – until *Windjammers 2* hit the scene in 2022. Staying true to its competitive, disc-throwing roots, the sequel modernized the visuals with slick hand-drawn animation while adding new characters, stages, and gameplay mechanics. It struck a perfect balance between arcade nostalgia and contemporary design, earning praise from both old-school fans and new players. Few would’ve predicted this long-lost classic to make such a strong comeback – but it did, and with style. | © Dotemu

Ghosts n Goblins Resurrection — 3. Ghosts ’n Goblins Resurrection (2021) – Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts (1991) → 30 years

No game series quite punishes players like *Ghosts ’n Goblins*, and after 1991’s *Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts*, fans waited 30 years for another mainline entry. That finally came in 2021 with *Ghosts ’n Goblins Resurrection*, a brutally faithful revival that brought Sir Arthur back into the spotlight. With its distinct storybook art style and notoriously difficult gameplay, the game was both a tribute to longtime fans and a new test for those brave enough to pick it up. It didn’t hold back – and wouldn’t be true to the series if it did. | © Capcom

Cropped Getsu Fuma Den Undying Moon — 2. Getsu Fūma Den: Undying Moon (2022) – Getsu Fūma Den (1987) → 35 years

Originally released only in Japan, *Getsu Fūma Den* was a forgotten Famicom gem – until Konami shocked fans by resurrecting it 35 years later with *Undying Moon* in 2022. The reboot traded 8-bit sprites for stunning ukiyo-e-inspired visuals and roguelike gameplay, breathing new life into a title most players outside Japan had never experienced. It was a bold reimagining that preserved the essence of the original while modernizing it for a new audience. A true deep cut from Konami’s catalog that finally got the global spotlight it deserved. | © Konami

1. Beyond the Ice Palace 2 (2025) – Beyond the Ice Palace (1988) → 37 years

Few could have predicted that *Beyond the Ice Palace*, a side-scrolling fantasy platformer from 1988, would ever get a sequel – let alone 37 years later. But in 2025, *Beyond the Ice Palace 2* is finally set to arrive, making it the longest gap between original and sequel in gaming history. Details are still emerging, but the announcement alone sent waves of surprise and nostalgia through retro gaming circles. It’s a deep cut that proves no franchise is ever truly gone, just waiting for the right moment to return. | © Pixel Games UK

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If you're starting to wonder whether GTA 6 will ever actually come out, you're not alone. But as frustrating as the wait has been, it’s far from the longest gamers have had to endure. In fact, some video game sequels have taken so long to arrive that fans started to lose hope entirely.

In this article, we’re diving into the most famously delayed follow-ups in gaming history – titles that made us wait five, ten, even twenty years before finally delivering the next chapter. From cult classics to blockbuster franchises, these are the sequels that truly tested our patience.

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If you're starting to wonder whether GTA 6 will ever actually come out, you're not alone. But as frustrating as the wait has been, it’s far from the longest gamers have had to endure. In fact, some video game sequels have taken so long to arrive that fans started to lose hope entirely.

In this article, we’re diving into the most famously delayed follow-ups in gaming history – titles that made us wait five, ten, even twenty years before finally delivering the next chapter. From cult classics to blockbuster franchises, these are the sequels that truly tested our patience.