Ember Lab, the independent studio behind the acclaimed 2021 adventure Kena: Bridge of Spirits, has announced that its long-awaited sequel, Kena: Scars of Kosmora, will not arrive until 2027. The PS5 title, which was originally slated for release this year, received a delay through an official blog post published by the studio on Monday, with developers citing the need for additional time to refine and expand the experience.
The postponement marks a significant shift in timeline for one of the most anticipated indie sequels of recent years. The game which gives off major Zelda vibes was previously set to release this year, but the studio has now pushed its launch window into 2027, signaling ambitions that extend well beyond a simple continuation of its predecessor.
A Longer Development Path for Higher Standards
In the announcement, Ember Lab explained that the extra development time is essential to meeting its own quality bar. The developers said they need more time to “deliver a top-notch game that exceeds the quality” of Bridge of Spirits. “Pushing our release into 2027 gives us the ability to really polish the expanded game experience we want to deliver,” the studio added.
We hope you’re just as excited to jump into Kena’s next adventure as we are to share it with you. We’ve been working hard to fill it with the wonder, charm, and challenge fans have come to expect. We appreciate your patience and support as we take the time for Scars of Kosmora to be the evolution of Kena’s journey and experience we want to deliver.
Ember Lab
The studio emphasized that it wants the sequel to stand as a meaningful step forward rather than a rushed follow-up. This decision reflects a growing trend among developers who are willing to sacrifice near-term release dates in pursuit of more polished, ambitious projects.
A Broader and Deeper Adventure
Kena: Scars of Kosmora remains a linear adventure game, just like the 2021 entry, but the studio says the sequel features a “broader and deeper scope.” The narrative picks up with protagonist Kena now established as a seasoned spirit guide who embarks on a journey to the island of Kosmora. Her mission is to find a “cure for her affliction” and reconnect with a friend from her past.
The island conceals a “powerful corruption” that fractures Kena’s staff, forcing her to adopt an entirely new method of manipulating the elements. According to the game’s official description, “On her journey, Kena discovers and nurtures memorable spirit companions– whose powers she will harness to solve puzzles and defeat enemies using new elemental abilities.” This expanded toolkit suggests a gameplay system that runs deeper than its predecessor.
Platforms and Release Timeline
The sequel has been confirmed only for PS5 and PC so far, though Ember Lab has not ruled out additional platforms down the line. The original Bridge of Spirits launched initially on PS4, PS5, and PC before coming to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S in 2024, with a Switch 2 edition arriving in March this year.
The studio’s commitment to broadening its audience across consoles has historically been strong, so the current PS5 and PC-only confirmation should be viewed as an early-stage announcement rather than a final platform lineup. Fans of Xbox hardware may want to keep an eye out for future updates regarding broader availability.
Looking Ahead
With Kena: Scars of Kosmora now targeting 2027, Ember Lab has given players ample time before the game’s eventual launch. As development continues, the studio is expected to share further details through upcoming trailers and gameplay showcases that will reveal how much the expanded scope has evolved since its initial announcement.
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