Our initial coverage of RollerCoaster Tycoon World blew-up when we were at PAX Prime 2015. It was the first time anyone had seen real gameplay footage of the tumultuously-made title, which was (at the time) on its third development team. The game seemed like it had promise and, as we learned in a later meeting, was slated for a December launch with two pre-launch betas in the pipe.

Only one of those betas happened -- the other was canceled, and the December launch target got moved. Again. We're now looking at "Early 2016" for RollerCoaster Tycoon World, which will soon be threatened by newcomer "Planet Coaster" (4Q16 launch date). RCTW's got the name and recognition, but has to pull together its development faster than might be feasible. Even just the framerates, as you'll see in the video below, are completely inexcusable for a PC game. Here's hoping things look up for the globally loved title.

In the meantime, Atari has re-re-announced its modding plans. It feels like we're stuck on loop, here -- we talked about modding at PAX Prime ('15) and, based on Atari's newest video, not much has changed -- but they want to make sure everyone remembers that the game exists and has modding support.

Publisher Atari and developers Nvizzio today announced the release date for RollerCoaster Tycoon World, its price, and its planned beta phases.

The game is targeted for a December 10, 2015 release date, priced at $50 ($60 for “Deluxe Edition”), and will include two pre-launch beta phases. We're told that the Deluxe Edition includes “two unique building maps, terrain additions, a digital art book, and the classic Panda mascot,” the last of which will be deployable to parks for guest interaction.