EA Publishing Mass Effect For PC. Other Platforms to Follow?
PC version to have "heavier focus on action"
BioWare has announced that Mass Effect will be released for the PC, with a few tweaks thrown in for good measure.
The game will hit shop shelves in May. Well, we should probably say 'store' shelves, since that release window is, for now at least, a US one. SPOnG spoke to an EA rep to find out when we will see the PC version of Mass Effect in the UK and was told, "We don't have a date for it yet."
Yes, that was an EA rep, not a Microsoft spokesperson. That's not just because of EA's acquisition of BioWare, either. EA has now taken over the publishing of Mass Effect, which led to our next question; Will we see Mass Effect on any other platforms now that Microsoft is no longer holding the publishing reins? "No comment", came the response.
As for the PC version of Mass Effect, EA promises that the controls will be optimised for the PC, throwing in full customisation and a hot key system that enables players to map biotic powers or skills for "a heavier focus on action". There will also be a new decryption mini-game and an overhauled inventory screen to make life easier.
"Mass Effect serves as a powerful example of video games as an art form, delivering new levels of emotional intensity, realistic characters and a gripping storyline - all set in a compelling new universe," said Ray Muzyka, BioWare's general manager and VP at EA.
Frank Gibeau, president of EA’s Games Label added, "EA has struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect. We are looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this Spring and brand new titles in the future."
Brand new titles? With EA unlikely to quit publishing games after Mass Effect, is Frank trying to tell us that sequels are on the way?
This news means the guys over at BioWare have clearly had a lot on their plates recently. As well as the PC version they've got some downloadable content to have ready in March.
For more on Mass Effect, see SPOnG's dedicated game page.
The game will hit shop shelves in May. Well, we should probably say 'store' shelves, since that release window is, for now at least, a US one. SPOnG spoke to an EA rep to find out when we will see the PC version of Mass Effect in the UK and was told, "We don't have a date for it yet."
Yes, that was an EA rep, not a Microsoft spokesperson. That's not just because of EA's acquisition of BioWare, either. EA has now taken over the publishing of Mass Effect, which led to our next question; Will we see Mass Effect on any other platforms now that Microsoft is no longer holding the publishing reins? "No comment", came the response.
As for the PC version of Mass Effect, EA promises that the controls will be optimised for the PC, throwing in full customisation and a hot key system that enables players to map biotic powers or skills for "a heavier focus on action". There will also be a new decryption mini-game and an overhauled inventory screen to make life easier.
"Mass Effect serves as a powerful example of video games as an art form, delivering new levels of emotional intensity, realistic characters and a gripping storyline - all set in a compelling new universe," said Ray Muzyka, BioWare's general manager and VP at EA.
Frank Gibeau, president of EA’s Games Label added, "EA has struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect. We are looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this Spring and brand new titles in the future."
Brand new titles? With EA unlikely to quit publishing games after Mass Effect, is Frank trying to tell us that sequels are on the way?
This news means the guys over at BioWare have clearly had a lot on their plates recently. As well as the PC version they've got some downloadable content to have ready in March.
For more on Mass Effect, see SPOnG's dedicated game page.
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Comments
SuperSaiyan4 12 Feb 2008 16:07
1/7
Spong check your sources, Shane Kim was already interviewed regarding Mass Effect and from what he said the game is staying Xbox 360 console exclusive however PC version is very likely.
Mass Effect will NOT be coming to other platforms since the trilogy was set as a 360 console exclusive prior to EA buying out Bioware - also EA did say that Bioware will be working independant still.
Mass Effect will NOT be coming to other platforms since the trilogy was set as a 360 console exclusive prior to EA buying out Bioware - also EA did say that Bioware will be working independant still.
daz 12 Feb 2008 16:47
2/7
then why didn't EA just say "no" rather than "no comment"?
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James 12 Feb 2008 16:56
3/7
It's already been confirmed the trilogy is 360 only, I guess once all 3 are released on the 360 perhaps the deal expires and only then can the PS3 get one, but by then this gen will be dead, and the world will be a nuclear waste land due to the war with russia and china............son.. get my shotgun.
deleted 12 Feb 2008 18:14
4/7
Speaking of the trilogy anyone think its three games based on Sheppard’s spectre status or do you think we might see a different human/alien taking the lead role somewhere along the trail, just based in the mass effect universe, and of course as the reapers were stopped before civilisation had peaked, does that mean we could expect to see a new technology with an even bigger game which could include galaxy to galaxy travel?
Although I think the best feature to add to the next one would be to sort the glitches out!. Oh yeah and a new land vehicle would be nice. Also a little more control of your team, perhaps even the ability to have 3 team mates?
I can but dream.
Although I think the best feature to add to the next one would be to sort the glitches out!. Oh yeah and a new land vehicle would be nice. Also a little more control of your team, perhaps even the ability to have 3 team mates?
I can but dream.
alexh2o 12 Feb 2008 18:38
5/7
haritori wrote:
perhaps even the ability to have 3 team mates?
Thats definitely not BioWare style so I doubt we will see that. As for the trilogy I believe it is all based on Shepard but to be honest I cant really see how it will work...
YenRug 12 Feb 2008 23:21
6/7
SuperSaiyan4 wrote:
Spong check your sources, Shane Kim was already interviewed regarding Mass Effect and from what he said the game is staying Xbox 360 console exclusive however PC version is very likely.
Mass Effect will NOT be coming to other platforms since the trilogy was set as a 360 console exclusive prior to EA buying out Bioware - also EA did say that Bioware will be working independant still.
Mass Effect will NOT be coming to other platforms since the trilogy was set as a 360 console exclusive prior to EA buying out Bioware - also EA did say that Bioware will be working independant still.
*Pssst* Check out the official EA announcement on their website about it coming to PC May 2008....
http://www.ea.com/article.jsp?id=mepc
Shawn 13 Feb 2008 16:23
7/7
noooooooooo........... this means my damn roommate thats been promising to get this game since it came out is gonna get it for pc!! then ill never get to play this magnificant game......