With all these picture posts it feels like a date will be announced soon. That's probably just my wishful thinking, but I can't help but get my hopes up
As has almost always been the case, the primary impediment to any release date for this game is the artwork. The art for TNH is all done 'by hand' by a small number of artists who remain dedicated and attached to the project because they are paid well and paid consistently for their work.
The formula remains the same regardless of the update. Support the game with more funding and the art is finished more quickly and the next release is moved up significantly. When the monthly budget is exceeded, there is no more money for art and the art takes longer to complete.
Ron has said several times that if the Patreon income were twice what is is there would be no funding lulls in artwork. Meaning, the artists could work 'full time' and updates would come more than twice as quickly.
All that is simply to say, more funding equals more frequent updates. Replace wishful thinking with financial support and manifest the change you dream of!