https://wccftech.com/mount-and-blade-ii-bannerlord-shouldnt-stay-for-years-in-early-access-says-taleworlds-manager/

Mount and Blade II Bannerlord finally received a release date at gamescom 2019. The highly anticipated sequel will launch in March 2020, although it’ll be only in an ‘Early Access’ fashion.

Speaking with PCGamesN at gamescom 2019, TaleWorlds manager and founder Armagan Yavuz explained this choice: