'Mass Effect: Andromeda' release date news: BioWare confirms early 2017 launch

A screenshot from BioWare's trailer for "Mass Effect: Andromeda." Mass Effect/YouTube

Fans are now preparing for an early 2017 outing for "Mass Effect: Andromeda," as creator BioWare confirms the release period for the franchise installment.

General manager Aaryn Flynn confirmed the release period, writing on the official "Mass Effect" website. Updating the fans, Flynn stated, "... that's our commitment from all of us to all of you. Because of that, 'Mass Effect: Andromeda' will now ship in early 2017."

Flynn added that the delay will give the studio more time to fine-tune the game.

The rumors of "Mass Effect: Andromeda" getting a 2017 release started when publisher Electronic Arts held an investor meeting. Reportedly, EA CFO Blake Jorgensen stated that "Mass Effect: Andromeda" will be released during the closing months of the company's fourth fiscal quarter, which places its release period during the opening months of 2017.

Though the game is slated for a 2017 opening, this doesn't mean that fans will need to wait for the holidays to get more details about the game. Flynn also revealed that "Mass Effect: Andromeda" will be showcased at the upcoming EA Play press conference on June 12, Electronic Arts' separate trade show from the E3 2016, which will also open in the same week.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with Ars Technica, Flynn confirmed that the next "Mass Effect" will be an entirely new installment, although still a part of the franchise.

Flynn said to the industry observer, "I think one of the most interesting things for us when we started looking at what we were going to do with Andromeda was knowing this was going to be a whole new set of characters and a new adventure and all the great stories we were going to be able to tell because of that and what their journey is going to be like."

News
New Catholic head says lessons must be learned from abuse failings
New Catholic head says lessons must be learned from abuse failings

The newly installed Archbishop of Westminster has said the Church must learn from victims of sexual abuse.

Young adults abandon marriage as pensioners overtake under-25s - report
Young adults abandon marriage as pensioners overtake under-25s - report

The institution of marriage has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past five decades - particularly among young adults.

Iconic cathedral to run truth project during Lent
Iconic cathedral to run truth project during Lent

One of England’s most well-known, historic and picturesque cathedrals has announced plans to run a Lent series looking at truth in the modern world.