We have always set ourselves a big goal for Dead Island 2: to create the sequel that takes Dead Island to the next level. A game that takes what our fans tell us they love about Dead Island – multiple different characters to play with, co-op, and turning a paradise setting into a zombie slaughter melee – and a game that adds a ton more content and combat options on top of that.

And we wanted to have all of that that done for release in Spring 2015.

We have been looking at the game long and hard, and we have decided we didn’t reach that goal we set out to achieve quite yet. This is why we have decided to delay Dead Island 2 to 2016.

Right now we are focusing purely on development, and we will have more info to share at a later stage.

We know that our fans will be disappointed by this news, but by giving Dead Island 2 more time we are confident that everyone will get a better game to play as a result.

-Team Dead Island 2

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sm0k7t

More delays, but should give it more breathing space away from Dying Light. It is a very big delay though, obviously another game announced too soon

They were doing Dead Island 2? When did that happen? o.o

Nothing surprising. What they've shown last time was very rough looking, it was obvious they had a lot of work ahead of them.
But even had they finished, spring 2015 would have been a mistake, too close to Dying Light, and they probably would have gotten lost in the pre-holiday blockbuster shuffle.
I believe they are aiming to copy Dying Light's success, launch early in 2016 and reap benefits of scarce competition.

I forgot this game was happening!

Just a thought but with the emphasis on content in the statement its sounds like maybe they could have been going the freemium (but not free) route with this game with focus on post launch content (a bit like Evolve), but decided instead go for a full $60 worth of content at launch.

Good, it was always a dumb idea to release it not long after dying light.
I like the dead Island games but having played dying light this year I had already decided I had no need for dead Island 2. However releasing it next year will probably present enough of a gap to make me willing to play a similar game.

Expected it.

I am so in love with Dying Light right now (30 hours played, only 15% of the story campaign finished), I doubt I will pick Dead Island 2, as much as I loved the first Dead Island.

Well, technically, Dying Light is the true Dead Island 2.

Technically, I suppose but the parkour mechanics really set the game apart. I almost don't mind fast travel not being a thing