BioWare has released a final statement regarding Mass Effect: Andromeda, addressing longstanding rumors regarding the fate of the game's single player.
According to the statement, the last patch update, 1.10, will be the final update for Mass Effect: Andromeda. "There are no planned future patches for single-player or in-game story content."
The statement goes on to clarify that planned content and plot threads in Mass Effect: Andromeda will be explored in other forms of media. "The game was designed to further expand on the Pathfinder’s journey through this new galaxy with story-based APEX multiplayer missions and we will continue to tell stories in the Andromeda Galaxy through our upcoming comics and novels, including the fate of the Quarian Ark."
Multiplayer support will still be made available for the game, which is now in the hands of BioWare Edmonton after the studio developing Andromeda, BioWare Montreal, was merged with Motive Studios.
For months, the fate of the Quarian Ark among other lingering plot threads was hinted at being upcoming DLC for Mass Effect: Andromeda. However, post-launch reports hinted that due to reception there would be no single player DLC for the game, something that Bioware and EA refused to comment on. In the end, despite the game doing well by EA's standards, the negative backlash and mixed reception of Andromeda at launch, coupled with the merger of Motive Studios, were likely contributing factors to this decision.
BioWare as a division of EA still has two major studios working on projects. BioWare Austin is headlining the ongoing support for the Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO, while BioWare Edmonton recently revealed their newest I.P, Anthem at E3 this year. Edmonton is also working on another title, which many speculate to be the next installment of the Dragon Age franchise. Recently, Casey Hudson returned to lead the studio in the place of Aaron Flynn.
The Andromeda team also gave their praise to the fanbase for supporting them and Andromeda. "We appreciate all the millions of people who came with us to the Andromeda galaxy. We hope to see you again in the Mass Effect universe."
Quick Take
I am not surprised by this move but I am disappointed. BioWare typically makes really good DLC for their games, and I was actually looking forward to seeing what the team could do to continue the story in Andromeda. With the Mass Effect IP back in the hands of BioWare Edmonton, who is busy with both Anthem and Dragon Age, it's likely we won't see another Mass Effect game for at least another few years.It's a shame too. The trilogy is still a high benchmark for games, but Andromeda was a weak addition to the series, mostly due to its technical issues. I enjoyed it for what it was but it is clear that the series needs a fresh direction and it failed to do that ultimately.
What are your thoughts on all of this? What do you think of the decision to stop Mass Effect Andromeda single player updates? Leave your comments below.
