BioWare confirms Mass Effect: Andromeda delay

BioWare has officially confirmed the news at which its publisher Electronic Arts had hinted during its latest earnings call: Mass Effect: Andromeda is delayed until early 2017.

That the game might not be coming out until some time next year was suggested by publisher EA back in March, though no reason was given. Originally teased in 2012 and announced in 2014, the fourth mainstream entry in the Mass Effect space opera franchise was originally scheduled with a late 2016 launch target. Following criticism of the game's third installment, in particular an ending which was savaged by critics, it appeared that BioWare and EA needed a little more time - something the developer has now confirmed.

'As we’ve been playing the game at the studio recently, it’s showing us that we’re taking the game in the right direction. But we also know we need the right amount of time to make sure we deliver everything the game can be and should be – that’s our commitment from all of us to all of you,' claimed Aaryn Flynn, BioWare general manager, in a blog post on the game's status. 'Because of that, Mass Effect: Andromeda will now ship in early 2017.'

To soften the blow, Flynn also hinted at the improvements players can expect over the previous games including 'an unprecedented level of freedom' and 'visuals, story, and gameplay that have never been done in [Mass Effect] franchise history,' courtesy the new Frostbite engine and a focus on current-generation consoles.

While both EA and BioWare have reaffirmed an 'early 2017' release for the game, neither company has yet set a formal launch date for the delayed title.