There is no sign of them cancelling the DLC, but they are really taking their time.
They said the same thing 3 months earlier. They also said that it will release “right after” the Xbox release, that is now over a month ago.
Maybe it has to do with this part:
While some of us were preparing for the console release, others started to work on one of the biggest updates in AoE II: DE history. This update will bring a large number of fixes and changes, a massive number of balance changes, quality of life improvements and more.
It could be very well that they are delaying the DLC because they need to get this patch out first.
And the complexity of this patch might cause it to take longer then expected.
I’m fine with the devs taking all the time necessary to release it properly. However, I think they should at least tell us what the DLC will be about. It’s hard to generate hype when people are so confused about the nature of the DLC.
I expect most models will need being remade from the ground up, you cannot keep the usual medieval-looking units and buildings, probably remake the interface too. Much heavier on that side than a regular DLC that at most requires a new architecture style and a few wonders castles and unique units, and I don’t expect screenshots until they have done most of it.
This is the big question, will they stick to the old 25% bigger than the original size DE version architecture, or choose AoE2 size architecture and trees?
Hoping for a more expanded Stone Age, Ive always felt this part was a bit lackluster in the game.
I think there will be at least one new campaign revolving around Rome, and there will be an Indian civs DLC with an Alexander the Great campaign at the end of the year.
Sorry to disappoint you, but if you want to sell a product you might need to make your potential customers interested.
Good luck selling it “in the dark” with no publicity.