Why BioWare Canceled Mass Effect: Andromeda's Multiplayer Beta

Following the news yesterday that BioWare had canceled Mass Effect: Andromeda's multiplayer beta, the developer has now apologized for that and explained why it was necessary.

"Sorry we won't have [a multiplayer technical test]," producer Fernando Melo said on Twitter. "I know many were looking forward to it (as were we). Long story but right decision for how close we are to [going] live."

He added: "[Mass Effect: Andromeda multiplayer] has had the most [extensive] user testing we've ever done."

Melo also mentioned that there was a closed alpha for Andromeda earlier this year that was held on retail consoles, so the game has been tested in the wild.

In another tweet, Melo said Andromeda's multiplayer is "very alive ... and awesome."

People who attend PAX East this month in Boston can play the multiplayer mode. Additionally, EA/Origin Access subscribers can get a crack at the entire game ahead of launch when it arrives for the subscription service on March 16.

Finally, Melo teased that BioWare still has more to announce about Andromeda's multiplayer. He kicked things off with an image of the mode's character selection screen; check it out below.

Andromeda's multiplayer will tie into the game's campaign. In terms of gameplay, you can expect to be on the move more often than in Mass Effect 3. Whereas that game often saw players often stay in a fixed location they could defend, Andromeda will throw new enemy types at you that force you into or out of cover.

Andromeda will not have a season pass. There is likely to be DLC for the game, but it remains to be seen how it will be released. BioWare has said it is plans to discuss specifics at a later date.

The full game launches on March 21 for Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4. For more, check out all of GameSpot's written coverage and videos here.