BioWare has confirmed that downloadable content for the Mass Effect Andromeda multiplayer mode will be released free of charge.
Aaryn Flynn, who serves as general manager for the Edmonton-based company, confirmed via Twitter that Andromeda’s online component will follow the same path as Mass Effect 3, which didn’t charge for post-release content.
The news comes not long after BioWare confirmed that it had cancelled the Mass Effect Andromeda multiplayer beta, although it insisted this was the best decision ahead of the game’s launch later this month. The studio also revealed the multiplayer will utilise P2P instead of dedicated servers.
Much like Mass Effect 3, the multiplayer portion of Andromeda will have an impact on the single-player campaign, although it isn’t mandatory. And, while there are elements that it shares with its predecessor, BioWare was keen to point out that there are differences between the two games in regards to online functionality.
Mass Effect Andromeda is slated for release in the U.S. for PS4, PC, and Xbox One on March 21 and in Europe on March 23. The game takes place around 600 years after the events of the original sci-fi trilogy, and sees players controlling newcomer Ryder; a pathfinder tasked with exploring the titular Andromeda galaxy in hopes of securing a new home for the human race. Exploration is a key element of the game, although BioWare doesn’t consider Andromeda to be a true open-world title.
Speaking of the original trilogy, Electronic Arts has suggested that a high-definition remaster of previous Mass Effect games may not happen despite strong demand for fans.