Mass Effect (PC, 360) developer BioWare is examining the possibility of further updates to its space-age RPG following the release of the first downloadable content pack earlier this year, studio president Greg Zeschuk revealed.

"We said it was a trilogy so there's some stuff happening," Zeschuk told MTV Multiplayer. "We're also looking at some other post-release content... You know how we are. We're always very circumspect until we can go 'Aha! There it is!'"

The executive added, "With everything we build now, we want to have this long-term relationship with the customer and always have something for them to try. So we're definitely looking at that for Mass Effect."

The company is currently at work on Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (NDS) in collaboration with Sega, but BioWare's Nintendo DS development may not end there. Sonic Chronicles lead designer Miles Holmes stated that the studio is... Read more

A Mass Effect patch is now available, updating the PC release of the BioWare sci-fi RPG to version 1.01. The 35mb download fixes several game bugs, and adds support for additional downloadable content.

That's helpful, because the Bring Down the Sky DLC has also been released. Instructions on how to install it can be obtained from this page.

Update 1.01

* added some infrastructure support for additional downloadable content
* updated the image of the Batarian race in the codex
* fixed an issue where the center channel for hardware audio wouldn't play correctly sometimes... Read more

Despite the first Mass Effect being billed as an Xbox 360 exclusive, famed developer BioWare tells Joystiq that it has "never confirmed any plans of Mass Effect exclusivity for the trilogy."

Though the sci-fi action-RPG later appeared on PC, the title is still considered an Xbox 360 exclusive in terms of the console market--meaning it has not appeared on rival systems PlayStation 3 or Wii.

Speaking on Mass Effect 2, BioWare senior manager Matt Atwood previously expressed his belief that the sequel would "be Xbox 360 exclusive for at least a short period of time," followed by a PC release "as quickly as possible."

Following EA's $860 million purchase of BioWare and Pandemic, many speculated that the PlayStation 3 would receive a Mass Effect game, especially given BioWare's plans to deliver at least three Mass Effect titles and the tendency of EA-published titles to hit both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Dragon Age, another one of the company's in-development titles, was originally slated to be a PC exclusive, though the company recently noted that the franchise will eventually hit consoles as well.

Several gamers have complained that the digital rights management software built into the PC version of BioWare's Mass Effect (PC, 360) only allows three lifetime installations, regardless of whether the user uninstalls the game.

According to consumer advocacy website The Consumerist, a tech support representative at publisher Electronic Arts confirmed to a user on the official Mass Effect forums that no additional activations are earned by uninstalling the game.

Those gamers who have reached their three install limit must contact EA technical support to request additional activations. Though the protocol is meant to guard against piracy, many affected users claim that hardware issues, operating system ... Read more

Service-oriented. Outsourcee. Bootstrapper.

There is no easy way to describe a studio like Demiurge. The video game industry is a tough one for small fries, but the company has taken an almost workhorse-style approach in the effort to keep its independence. No job's too big, no job's too small.

With many independent developers like Iron Lore--a company that once contracted Demiurge--shutting their doors or being bought up, Demiurge's strategy of solving other studios' problems has lead to increasing freedom and success. It's also gotten the team hands-on time with some of the industry's most valued properties, including BioShock, Medal of Honor, and now Mass Effect.

Recently I sat down for a chat with studio head Al Reed, fresh off the launch of the company's PC port of Mass Effect. We touched on the copy-protection controversy, the challenge of porting the game, flying rubber frogs, and the studio's... Read more

The PC version of BioWare's sci-fi RPG Mass Effect marches out to retailers this week, and to celebrate the company has delivered three new gameplay clips.

Co-developed by Demiurge, the Xbox 360-to-PC port sports a number of enhancements, such as free downloadable content and a redesigned interface.

For more on the version that made Shacknews editor Aaron Linde "anxious to play through the game again," check out our hands-on impressions.

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Keep reading for the other two gameplay clips. ... Read more

As the release of BioWare's Mass Effect PC port approaches this week, company CEO Ray Muzyka recently stated that the company will maintain a fairly even balance between licensed properties and original development in future projects.

When asked of his preference between creating original universes for games and working on preexisting intellectual properties, Muzyka explained that there are benefits to developing from either angle.

"Both choices have their own unique appeal," Muzyka told Joystiq. "In the end, both are ends of the same spectrum, since successful new intellectual properties become licenses. In the case of Star Wars... so it really wasn't confining when ... Read more

It's been so long since I've invoked any hostility in defending PC-centric control schemes over console counterparts—I guess Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare changed me, or made me soft, or something.

But with Mass Effect's somewhat limited Xbox 360 control configuration transitioned to its reworked form on the PC, I'm on the cusp of becoming an elitist jerk again.

Sure, Mass Effect certainly looks great on the PC, but veterans and newcomers alike ought to be most interested in how it plays. Utilizing familiar FPS controls, the game allows you to pull up the tactical HUD by holding the space bar at... Read more

Fresh from EA's Spring Break event are a bonanza of screenshots from the publisher's lineup, including Mass Effect PC, Warhammer Online and more.

Be sure to scope out the full post, as there is simply far too much media to contain on the front page, and don't forget to check out the whole of our EA Spring Break coverage.

Left 4 Dead (PC, X360)
Valve, Turtle Rock Studios / November 2008

Battlefield Heroes (PC)
EA DICE / Summer

Battlefield: Bad Company (PS3, X360)
EA DICE / June 23, 2008

... Read more

BioWare producer Derek French recently caused an uproar after announcing that copy protection on the PC editions of Mass Effect and Spore would require online validation every 10 days in order for the games to continue functioning.

In the face of increasing pressure, BioWare and publisher Electronic Arts today relented, updating the official Mass Effect PC FAQ to note that validation will now only be required when the player downloads new game content.

Q: If the game isn't going to require an authentication every 10 days, will it ever require re-authentication?

A: Only if the player chooses to download new game content.

Electronic Arts also released a statement mentioning that Spore's copy protection will be similarly changed to allow for offline play, only requiring validation on a patch or game content update.

The publisher further noted that the protection will still only allow users to authenticate each game on up to three computers. Approval of further authorizations... Read more

Update: Electronic Arts has relented to the pressure.

Original story: BioWare technical producer Derek French has said that the PC versions of both Mass Effect and Spore will make use of copy protection that will require online validation every ten days in order for the games to continue working.

"After the first activation, SecuROM requires that [Mass Effect PC] re-check with the server within ten days (in case the CD Key has become public/warez'd and gets banned)," said French in a post on the BioWare forums.

If customers do not come online after ten days, the game will cease to function.

"After 10 days a re-check is required before the game can run," added French. "..An internet connection is not required to install, just to activate the first time, and every 10 days after."

The check is run when users activate the game's executable file, with the first re-check coming within "5 days remaining in the 10 day window."

According to French, Maxis' Spore will also make use of the same scheme: "[Electronic Arts] is ready for us and getting ready for Spore, which will use the same system."

French also noted that the online requirement will be clearly labeled on the games' packaging.

Those who pre-order the PC edition of Mass Effect at participating retailers will get $10 off the sci-fi RPG's $49.99 MSRP when it hits May 27, publisher Electronic Arts has revealed.

While the company did not provide a complete list of those "participating retailers," it named GameStop, Amazon.com and GoGamer.com in today's announcement.

It should be noted that the discount does not apply to EA's own online store. Instead, those who pre-order Mass Effect PC from the EA Store will, while supplies last, receive trinkets--including a poster and a comic book--from EA Redwood Shores' space horror effort Dead Space (PC, PS3, X360).

Originally developed by now-EA subsidiary BioWare and released on Xbox 360 last fall, Mass Effect was ported to the PC with the aid of indie developer Demiurge Studios. The PC edition sports a number of additions and improvements, such as free downloadable content and a redesigned interface.

When BioWare's sci-fi RPG Mass Effect is released for the PC this May gamers will be able to download the "Bring Down The Sky" content for free, publisher Electronic Arts has announced. Released for Xbox 360 through the Xbox Live Marketplace last month, the DLC introduces the Batarian race and adds about 90 minutes of additional gameplay.

The PC version of Mass Effect will be in North American stores May 28.

In advance of the game's May 28 release, developer BioWare has, via its official forum, issued the minimum and recommended system requirements for the PC edition of its sci-fi action-RPG Mass Effect.

Ported from the Xbox 360 with the aid of Demiurge Studios and sporting a revised interface, the title requires a minimum of 12GB hard drive space, a 2.4 GHz Intel or 2.0 GHz AMD processor, a GeForce 6 series or ATI 1300XT video card, and 1GB of RAM for Windows XP users.

The full minimum and recommended specs are as follows:... Read more

Developer BioWare has released a new set of screenshots from the PC version of its RPG shooter hybrid epic Mass Effect, showing off the game's revised interface and decryption minigame.

As shown in the new screenshots, the title's graphical interface has been reworked to support the more versatile mouse and keyboard control configuration available for Mass Effect's PC incarnation. A look at the game's revamped decryption minigame was also revealed.

BioWare announced this morning that Mass Effect PC had been delayed from its May 6 release date. Sci-fi fans can now expect it to hit retail shelves on May 28.

The PC edition of Mass Effect has been pushed to May 28 in North America and June 6 in Europe, developer BioWare has revealed. Co-developed by Demiurge Studios, the Xbox 360-to-PC port of the sci-fi RPG was originally slated to arrive on May 6.

"A few more weeks in the studio will ensure we deliver the quality that our fans deserve," BioWare community coordinator Chris Priestly wrote on the developer's forums.

"The additional time will allow us to incorporate more play-testing feedback, add extra polish and tune the additional features so that Mass Effect is a natural and outstanding PC gaming experience," he continued.

The upcoming sequel to BioWare's sci-fi RPG Mass Effect will arrive on Xbox 360 first with a PC version hitting soon after, according to senior manager Matt Atwood.

"I believe we'll be Xbox 360 exclusive for at least a short period of time," Atwood told CVG. "We've got a really great PC fan base, we think it's really important to deliver the PC experience as quickly as possible," he continued in a VideoGamer interview.

The first entry in BioWare's planned Mass Effect trilogy arrived on Xbox 360 last fall, with a PC version, co-developed by Demiurge, due out May 6. Many had speculated that, following EA's acquisition of BioWare and the publishing rights for Mass Effect, the sequel would release simultaneously on multiple platforms.

BioWare has yet to specify a release window for Mass Effect 2.

Microsoft just sent over a trailer for the first batch of Mass Effect (X360) downloadable content, titled Bring Down the Sky.

Released on the Xbox Live Marketplace earlier this week, the expansion for BioWare's sci-fi RPG introduces the Batarian race, adds a new achievement to the game, and offers about 90 minutes of gameplay. It sells for 400 Microsoft Points ($5).

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As expected, newly available on the Xbox Live Marketplace this morning is Bring Down the Sky, the first downloadable content for BioWare's sci-fi role playing game Mass Effect.

The scenario, which introduces the Batarian race and offers around 90 minutes of gameplay and 50 Gamerscore points, is a 253mb download, and will set you back 400 Microsoft Points ($5).

Previously announced for a "May" release, Electronic Arts today narrowed down the store date for the PC version of Mass Effect to May 6.

The PC version of Mass Effect will include numerous upgrades over the Xbox 360 release, including an improved squad control interface, re-designed Mako controls, a new inventory screen GUI and functionality, hot-key mapping, a quick save button, and an additional decryption mini-game.

BioWare's sci-fi role playing game has won numerous awards since its release on the Xbox 360 last November, and has sold well over a million copies worldwide.