The Mass Effect: Andromeda multiplayer beta has been cancelled [Updated]

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The tech test announced last November isn't going to happen.

As reported last year by Gamespot, Mass Effect producer Fabrice Condominas indicated on N7 Day last year—that's November 7—that a Mass Effect: Andromeda multiplayer tech test would take place prior to the release of the game. Today, however, BioWare said in a blog post about its presence at the upcoming PAX East that the plan has been scrapped.

"Join us at the BioWare Base (room 2AB) and be one of the first to join APEX and defend our new home in Andromeda. Featuring different character kits each day, this is your chance to try out Mass Effect’s fast-paced cooperative multiplayer on PC," BioWare wrote. 

"While we will have live multiplayer at PAX East, there will no longer be a multiplayer tech test for players at home. Thank you to everyone who signed up. We look forward to seeing you in Andromeda." 

The BioWare Beacon signup link that Condominas tweeted is still live, and despite Gamespot's report that the tech test appeared limited to either the PS4 or Xbox One, I didn't encounter any such platform restriction when I signed up. Whether that's because it had been intended for the PC as well, or simply due to the fact that the tech test is no longer happening, isn't clear—nor is BioWare's reason for shutting it down. 

Update: In response to my inquiry, BioWare sent over the following statement. "Our team worked extremely hard building, testing, and balancing multiplayer, and we ultimately determined that a tech test would not be necessary."

Andy Chalk
Andy Chalk
US News Lead

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.