Microsoft Strikes Mass Effect Deal With EA News

EA has today confirmed that Mass Effect, released last year on Xbox 360, will be heading to PC this May...but not by Microsoft Game Studios. Instead, publishing duties will be taken over by Electronic Arts, adding further clarification to MGS boss Shane Kim's comments yesterday to MTV.

In the interview, which also dealt with the cancellation of Marvel Universe, and the year ahead for Microsoft Game Studios, Kim mentioned that "From a platform perspective, is it the most important that Microsoft Studios publishes it or [rather] that it's exclusive to the platform? That's the way we have to think about it." The current speculation is that Microsoft may have signed a deal that would see Mass Effect published by EA, but with a continued guarantee that the brand remains a console exclusive for Xbox 360.

Despite a small list of features currently being tinkered with by Bioware for the PC version, very little modification is being made to the game Xbox 360 owners had in their mitts last year. Customisable control keys, a new inventory interface, and a decryption mini-game are the highlights of a scant list.

Making today's announcement, Ray Muzyka, General Manager, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts said, "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."

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."