UPDATE: In an earnings call today, EA CEO John Riccitiello offered some insight as to why the game is being delayed. Riccitiello said: “Essentially, step by step, [the team is] adjusting some of the gameplay mechanics and some of the features that you’ll see at E3 that can put this into a genre equivalent of shooter-meets-RPG, and essentially address a far larger market opportunity than Mass Effect 1 did and Mass Effect 2 began to approach.” What exactly does that mean? Probably that the series’ third entry will be going in an even more action-oriented direction than Mass Effect 2 did. Whatever they’re working on, we’re going to get a glimpse into it at E3 in just over a month.
ORIGINAL STORY: In a forum post today, a BioWare representative revealed that the last entry in the Mass Effect franchise won’t be making it out this holiday season, as originally believed. Mass Effect 3 will instead be releasing in Q1 2012. Executive Producer Casey Hudson stated: “The development team is laser focused on making sure Mass Effect 3 is the biggest, boldest and best game in the series, ensuring that it exceeds everyone’s expectations.” Details of the precise date will be made available as it draws nearer.
I’m usually ok with delays, because we all know that they make for a superior finished project. But being a mega-fan of the first two games, this one really stings. At least we’ve got two “new” screenshots (*cough*check out the last issue of Game Informer*cough*) to look over. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to work on that flux-capacitor.
[Source: BioWare]
[Images courtesy of BioWare.]
