One of the most unique games I've had my eye on is being pushed back a little more, with developer Beethoven & Dinosaur sharing on Bluesky that Mixtape is now coming in 2026.
"While developing Artful Escape, our 3D artist, Mikey, made an oven asset. It was a nice oven - the work of a true pro. He even put the knobs on. And that’s who we are at Beethoven & Dinosaur. We put the knobs on. Mixtape is almost complete, we’re just putting the knobs on. See you in 2026," the team writes.
The delay was announced with an amusing "delay playlist" of songs that won't be in the game, but help convey the feelings of the developers to anyone eagerly waiting to play Mixtape, with such hits as "Patience" by Guns & Roses, "You Can't Hurry Love" from the Supremes, and so on.
Mixtape (which is being published by Annapurna Interactive) is a genre-busting title that's somewhat difficult to quantify, in the best possible way. First announced back in 2024, the game is a coming-of-age story focused on a group of friends, but one of the trio is about to fly across the country for her dream job.
In order to send her off in a big way, the group decides to have one last amazing night together before going their separate ways.
Along the way, the teens have to navigate awkward first kisses, skateboarding, ordering fast food, and escaping the police, all set to a rocking soundtrack. The titular mixtape includes DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, and many more, meaning there's no lack of variety.
Mixtape is also coming day one to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, so subscribers can look forward to hopping in and checking it out at launch.
Developers, please take your time
I played just under a half-hour demo of Mixtape back at Summer Game Fest 2025, and while I didn't know what to expect, it skyrocketed up as one of my most-anticipated games. The gameplay shifts rapidly, so there's always something new and no particular bit overstays its welcome, which is pretty on-point for a game that's all about having the perfect soundtrack.
At the time, creative director Johnny Galvatron told me that the game was coming in the next calendar year (or the next 12 months from June 2025), so this delay really doesn't come as a shock to me, considering it's now the middle of November.
If the first chunk of Mixtape is any indication at all, the team truly has something special in the works, and it's worth taking all the extra time they need to dial everything in just right.
Hopefully, we won't be waiting too far into the new year to find out the exact release date for Mixtape. Whenever it arrives, I'll be excited to dive in.
2026 looks packed for Xbox Game Pass
With this delayfor Mixtape, 2026 continues to look like an impressive year for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, with other unique third-party games like There Are No Ghosts at the Grand on the way.
Meanwhile, the Xbox first-party division is promising a stellar slate that includes Playground Games' Fable and Forza Horizon 5, The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day, Halo Studios' Halo: Campaign Evolved, and more.
FAQ
What is Mixtape?
Mixtape is a musical coming‑of‑age adventure from Beethoven & Dinosaur, the studio behind The Artful Escape. It blends narrative vignettes, music, and surreal gameplay moments.
Why was Mixtape delayed?
The developers explained they’re “putting the knobs on” — meaning the game is nearly finished but needs polish. They even shared a playful “delay playlist” of songs like Patience by Guns N’ Roses.
When will Mixtape release?
It’s now slated for 2026, with no exact date yet.
What platforms will it be on?
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Xbox), and PlayStation 5. It will also launch day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
What makes Mixtape unique?
It’s a story about three friends spending one last unforgettable night together — featuring awkward first kisses, skateboarding, fast food runs, and even police chases, all set to a soundtrack including DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
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