Mass Effect confirmed for PC - EA refuses to comment on 360 exclusivity

BioWare’s Mass Effect just can’t stay out of the news this week, with third-party publishing giant Electronic Arts yesterday confirming that the award-winning sci-fi RPG epic will be exploring the uncharted surfaces of PC systems everywhere this coming May. Mass Effect confirmed for May launch on the PC platform. Credit: BioWare.

Mass Effect confirmed for May launch on the PC platform. Credit: BioWare.Re-designed to fit the PC landscape, EA outlines that Mass Effect will feature “optimized controls” engineered specifically for the PC and will also incorporate a new decryption mini-game, and a new inventory screen GUI (graphical user interface), which will make it “easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.” PC players will also be able to assign character biotic powers or skills to keyboard ‘hot keys’ for increased immersion in Mass Effect’s action.“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,” trumpets Ray Muzyka, GM of BioWare and Vice President at Electronic Arts.

Mass Effect confirmed for May 2008 launch on the PC platform. Credit: BioWare.

Interestingly, during the announcement of Mass Effect’s arrival on PC, Frank Gibeau, the president of EA’s Games Label revealed that the publisher has “struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect.” Without divulging further information regarding that statement, Gibeau added that EA is “looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this spring and brand new titles in the future.”Gibeau’s somewhat vague words have predictably led to EA being approached by an inquisitive gaming site, in this came Videogamer, which asked for clarification and further details regarding EA’s deal with Microsoft. EA refused to comment. Videogamer also asked the obvious question as to whether the deal will see all future console releases in the Mass Effect series limited to the Xbox 360, or whether they (and the current release) will also appear on the PlayStation 3? Again, EA offered no comment.View the first batch of Mass Effect PC screenshots by clicking HERE.