Mass Effect 2 on PS3?
It’s been rumored for a while now, but the sequel to the hit Xbox 360 exclusive Mass Effect from BioWare has been announced. A couple of weeks after the game’s console-unspecific announcement, a press release was published announcing the game for a 2010 release on Xbox 360 and PC -- no mention of the rumored PlayStation 3 version anywhere. So, the game has been officially revealed; it’s officially heading for the Xbox 360 and PC where the original made its name. Surely there won’t be a PS3 version right?

If there was categorically no way a PS3 version was in the cards, BioWare would just shoot it down, saying a firm no to anyone who asked them said question, but they failed to do so at GDC. While sitting in on a demo of Dragon Age: Origins vg247 asked Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk point blank if there was a PS3 version in development, to which they responded; “We have announced Mass Effect 2 for PC and Xbox 360, We have no comment beyond that.” Not the most assuring remark for 360 fanboys who regard this as their next big game. You can clearly see that there was no firm “No” other than they have no comment beyond that. So what does that mean?

The first scenario could be that they are contemplating developing a PS3 version but are unsure whether or not to do so, considering the first game hasn’t graced the platform. The second scenario could be that they are currently in talks with Microsoft and parent compant EA on an exclusivity deal to keep the Mass Effect series on the Xbox 360. The third scenario is that there is a PS3 version in the works but the game will be a timed exclusive to the Xbox 360 and therefore no mention of the PS3 will discussed until release on the 360. Our gut instinct goes for the second scenario. BioWare has a great relationship with Microsoft and so does EA; there are probably talks behind the scenes regarding exclusivity rights to this game and whatever contract was put into place regarding the series when EA acquired BioWare... after MS published the first game. Microsoft is not stupid, they need big hit games and this is one of them.

TGR Rating: Unlikely