Arguably one of the more popular anime series of today, "Sword Art Online" season 3 has yet to make any announcements whether it will return for another season.

In a report by China Topix, the anime producer, A-1 has yet to renew or cancel the series despite having plenty of stories to tell.

Website When-will.net first claimed that "Sword Art Online" season 3 release date could possibly arrive before 2015 ends but with the way things are looking now, it seems like fans will have to expect an early 2016 launch instead.

"Possible release date of the 'Sword Art Online' Season 3 is end of 2015. There is a possibility that new episodes can come out even later - in the summer of 2016," as stated in the website.

Meanwhile, SAO producer Shinichiro Kashiwada sat with Anime News Network and he said that he wants the "Alicization" arc animated. He added that it was one of his favorites and fans can expect more from Kirito and Azuna should this come to fruition.

"Personally, I would like to see the 'Alicization' arc because that's something that hasn't been done," Kashiwada said.

"So there are series like 'Uta no Prince Sama' and 'Love Live!' that sell more, while the sales are very important to me, it's really the desire to make something really important and interesting that fans can look forward to watching," Shinichiro said. "This is what's personally important to me."

Also, fans over at Reddit are positive that SAO season 3 will happen since profits for the franchise is more than enough to jumpstart one according to user Cityman.

"Profits for SAO are through the roof. The producers would be stupid if they didn't make a Season 3," the user wrote.