The videogame property based on the book and movie The Godfather has been delayed by Electronic Arts until 2006.
That announcement was not a good one for Microsoft. The highly anticipated Mafia game epic had been one the Xbox 360 maker counted on to bolster its marketing efforts for the new console.
Now, EA plans to make versions for the Xbox, PS2, and the PC platform available in its fiscal fourth quarter, which ends March 31, 2006. EA will take advantage of the extra time to “perfect the open-world experience of being a member of the Corleone family.”
It won’t perfect Xbox sales, though. The game, a non-linear action adventure title, has been one gamers have followed through its development and hoped would be arriving just in time for the holidays.
EA had not committed to releasing a version for the Xbox 360, nor for the forthcoming Sony PS3, only that versions for the next-generation consoles would be available at a later date.
The Redwood City-based videogame maker says the game will use “an innovative control mechanic” where the interactions in-game will earn the character respect. That respect will have “lasting consequences” in The Godfather, just as they did in the films.
Unless Microsoft makes EA an offer it can’t refuse, it looks like gamers will just have to wait.
David Utter is a staff writer for murdok covering technology and business. Email him here.
