Zipper Interactive has announced that the release of SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs for PlayStation 3 has been pushed back to 2011.

On the official SOCOM site, Zipper Interactive's senior community manager Jeremy Dunham confirmed rumours that the game would not see the light of day this year. "While we're certainly aware that you've been looking forward to playing SOCOM 4 this year, we don't want to take any shortcuts. Instead, we want to deliver the best and most immersive SOCOM game we possibly can and we're going to use our extra time to do just that."

SOCOM 4 is particularly eagerly anticipated as it's one of the first PlayStation Move-enabled titles with hardcore gamers in mind.

Those interested in keeping up with developments regarding SOCOM 4 should follow its official blog.