Someone working at Microsoft accidentally leaked the entire multiplayer internal beta test of Mass Effect 3 onto Xbox Live’s Fall Preview. This enabled XBL users to get a healthy helping of multiplayer goodness from Bioware’s upcoming action-RPG.
According to VG 24/7, they picked up a post from a NeoGaf user who pointed out that they had access to Mass Effect 3’s multiplayer. Quick to come to the rescue of their game, Bioware sent out the obligatory damage control press release from Jesse Houston on their forums, saying…
“As most of you know by now, this evening an accidental leak occurred of some early Mass Effect 3 beta code. Microsoft has advised us that through human error at their end, content which was meant for internal beta testing was flagged incorrectly and released to individuals who had signed up for the beta of the Xbox Live dashboard update. It has since been taken down and deactivated.“We’d like to stress that the leaked code is in a rough, unfinished state and was not meant for public release. The content is not final, and is not reflective of the quality of the finished, polished game due for release [in March].”
You know, if the game is rated ‘M’ for Mature and it entails that those above the age of 17 are playing, do they really need to be reminded that the internal beta is a beta and that the game really isn’t due out until March? I would have thought common sense would have kicked in for that.
There were multiple modes available for play during the leak of the internal beta test. Players were able to experience Story mode, which focuses on more of the story-aspects of the game and less action-oriented combat. Action mode, which had limited RPG options and choices but had full-on combat in droves, as well as RPG mode, which featured a mix of the other two modes. The internal beta test lacked textures, animations and sounds.
Houston explained the following regarding what players were able to experience during the leak.
“We want to stress that these features are still in the early stages of development and will receive considerable iteration and refinement,” ... “These modes are designed to give players an even finer degree of control over their game experience than ever before. Whether it be someone who finds the combat difficult but wants to experience the amazing story, someone who wants to focus on the action and combat game play, or fans who want the rich, story-driven RPG Mass Effect experience they’ve come to love – Mass Effect 3 will support all of these options.We’ll have more info in the days ahead.”
According to the users who had access to the beta, the "Galaxy at War" mode was handled through Origin , players were able to send feedback back to Bioware about the beta and only the Earth stage from the E3 demonstrations were available.
Mass Effect 3 is the final game in the trilogy featuring the story arc of Commander Shepard and his or her crew of the Normandy. The game is set for release in March of 2012 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. You can pre-order the game right now or learn more other than what you’ve already learned right here by visiting the Official Website.
