The AFL and Big Ant Studios have confirmed that the release of AFL 23, originally scheduled for April 13, has been delayed.

The league confirmed that a delayed arrival of physical stock is behind the delayed release, with the date now pushed back until May 4.

"Physical stock of one of the AFL 23 console platforms has not arrived in Australia," Big Ant Studios confirmed on social media.

"To provide equity and fairness between all purchasers, regretfully, the release of AFL 23 will be postponed until 4 May 2023."

AFL 23 had it's launch last month, with Christian Petracca and Darcy Vescio unveiled as the cover stars of the video game, the latest addition of AFL games.

All 18 AFL and AFL teams will be featured in the game, with over 1000 players to appear.

Speaking at the launch in March, Big Ant Studios CEO Ross Symons said the company was eager to share the game with footy fans.

"AFL 23 is a passion project for the team at Big Ant Studios," Symons said.

"It has been such an honour to work closely with the AFL and all of the clubs to bring this game to life on this latest generation of consoles for the first time.

“With direct input from AFL coaches, players and legends of the past, along with cutting-edge technology never before used in an Australian video game production, we can't wait to get the game into footy fans hands.”