The upcoming pixel-art run-and-gun game Terminator 2D: No Fate has been delayed to October 31. Developed by Bitmap Bureau, Terminator 2D: No Fate is based on the second installment of the movie franchise and will feature some of its iconic characters, including Sarah and John Connor.

Bitmap Bureau announced the game back in February 2025 with a short but action-packed teaser trailer. The gameplay looked heavily inspired by classic hits like Contra, Shinobi, and Metal Slug, but with many creative twists. Story-wise, No Fate seems to be a collage of Terminator 2's plot mixed with some "untold" narratives. And it lets players follow the journeys of T-800, Sarah Connor, and John Connor across different timelines. Terminator 2D: No Fate was originally set to launch on most modern gaming platforms on September 5. However, it looks like retro side-scroller game lovers will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on it.

Terminator 2D No Fate Retro Side Shooter Fans Excited
Retro Side-Shooter Fans Should Be Excited for This New Title

A recently announced retro shooter within one of the most recognizable action franchises is one that fans should be looking forward to.

Announced on Twitter by the developer, Terminator 2D: No Fate's release date has been pushed back to October 31. The delay is mainly due to the time-consuming process of preparing the game's physical copies, and the publisher has opted to postpone the digital release so both versions launch simultaneously. While the game already appears polished, Bitmap Bureau plans to use the extra time to further refine the mechanics and visuals to ensure the final product is perfect.

Terminator 2D: No Fate's Delay Could Be Good News for Fans

Gamers have grown accustomed to delays caused by technical challenges or internal mismanagement. Fortunately, No Fate's delay isn't due to either. As the developer explained, the postponement is simply because the physical copies won't be ready in time. In other words, the development team isn't behind schedule or rushing. Instead, they now have extra time to fine-tune the game and, hopefully, deliver the run-and-gun gameplay experience Terminator fans deserve.

October's game release schedule is already packed with anticipated titles like Ghost of Yotei, Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2. But this likely won't impact Terminator 2D: No Fate's sales, as it's a niche title that doesn't rely on broad mainstream appeal. That also means the developers aren't under pressure and can focus entirely on delivering a solid gameplay experience.

Fans of the franchise have another title to look forward to besides No Fate as well. Terminator: Survivors is an upcoming open-world survival game set in an apocalyptic environment right after the events of Judgment Day. Unlike Terminator 2D: No Fate, this open-world adaptation doesn't have a confirmed release date yet, though it's expected to launch sometime in 2025.

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terminator 2d no fate tag page cover art
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2D
Shooter
Action
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Systems
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Released
December 12, 2025
ESRB
Mature 17+ / Blood, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Bitmap Bureau
Publisher(s)
Reef Entertainment
Franchise
Terminator
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Terminator 2D No Fate Press Image 1
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WHERE TO PLAY

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Genre(s)
2D, Shooter, Action