L4D2/Mass Effect 2 PS3 listings an "error"

By Tom Bramwell Published 12 October, 2009

EA Russia left red-faced.

EA has told Eurogamer that PlayStation 3 listings for Left 4 Dead 2 and Mass Effect 2 were posted to the publisher's Russian website in error. They've since been removed.

Neither game had previously been announced for PS3, and neither of the games' predecessors appeared on the format.

However, there have been rumours about both for as long as they've been in the public domain. Left 4 Dead 2 seems the less likely of the two to appear, mind you, given Valve's ongoing protestations that it wants nothing to do with the PS3.

Check out our recent Left 4 Dead 2 and Mass Effect 2 hands-on previews to see why that's a shame.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (70) 2 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Aretak #1 2 years ago

    I'd be surprised if Mass Effect 2 didn't make an appearance eventually. Although I've read people suggesting Microsoft still have something to do with the IP, so maybe not.

  • SeesThroughAll #2 2 years ago

    It's known that this IP is set exclusively for "MS platforms", so only X360 or PC. Of course the listing was a mistake.

  • 3william56 #3 2 years ago

    No news is news!

  • Xerx3s #4 2 years ago

    "I'd be surprised if Mass Effect 2 didn't make an appearance eventually. Although I've read people suggesting Microsoft still have something to do with the IP, so maybe not."

    I doubt it. They would have to release ME1 as well and that was published by MGS. Even if EA completely owns the IP, I doubt that MGS didn't have some sort of a "release on competing platforms and DIE!" clause in the contract.

  • TruSmiles #5 2 years ago

    I'm sure I read in Edge that L4D2 was listed as PS3 as well, which got my partner all excited until I pointed out it was probably a mistake :\

  • Britesparc Verified Creative, ITV #6 2 years ago

    I'm pretty sure Mass Effect is a 360 exclusive. And Valve hate the PS3, so L4D2 is probably a no-show as well.

  • The-Bodybuilder #7 2 years ago

    I'm sure MS still have connection to the IP, so I believe it has even less chance of coming to the ps3.
    I would say L4D2 is more likely, as EA could just get another team to do the porting.

  • WinterSnowblind #8 2 years ago

    Didn't they also list Forza 3 for the PS3 at one point?

    I'd have no problems with the PS3 getting Mass Effect 2, it's one of the best games this generation and everyone should really play it, but only getting the sequel would be a bit odd, as the first game was heavily story based and the second directly continues, even taking most of your choices over.

    I also think we need some franchises to stay exclusives, we're at the point where almost everything is becoming multiplatform. At this rate, Halo and Uncharted will be the only games left giving us reason to own both systems.

  • BritishBlue1 #9 2 years ago

    And so, my hopes lie dashed and bloodied on a pile of bitter jagged rocks...

  • SeesThroughAll #10 2 years ago

    but only getting the sequel would be a bit odd

    Dead Rising 2 on the PS3 and Ace Combat 6 on the 360 (and an exclusive as well!) say hi!i

  • Xerx3s #11 2 years ago

    "Didn't they also list Forza 3 for the PS3 at one point? "

    No, I think it was some marketing company using PGR4 screenshots to market GT5p.

  • matrim83 #12 2 years ago

    @SeesThroughAll

    Yay for ignoring the reason behind the thought and quoting stuff out of context.

  • Xerx3s #13 2 years ago

    "Dead Rising 2 on the PS3 and Ace Combat 6 on the 360 (and an exclusive as well!) say hi!i "

    Except that with both those games, the story could be completely replaced by something else and it wouldn't impact the game.

    "And so, my hopes lie dashed and bloodied on a pile of bitter jagged rocks... "

    Or you could just buy it on the PC or 360.

  • Moribundman #14 2 years ago

    Bioware have given cryptic legalese type statements about "not announcing development of ME2 for the PS3" rather than simply "not developing ME2 for the PS3". Whether this is a case of "never say never" or actual pressure from the EA cash hoover is open for speculation.

    It's been suggested that as EA now own the rights, they may now have the chance to release a double pack of ME1 and 2. If this happened, and they fiddled with the engine for ME1, then I'd like to think they'd rerelease it on the 'box and the PC too... Totally right about as many people as possible getting the chance to play this fantastic game.

    But only if I can have Uncharted 2 on the 360 or PC in return ;-)

  • Retroid #15 2 years ago

    "However, there have been rumours about both for as long as they've been in the public domain."

    Especially in the case of L4D those rumours seemed to be wishful fanboys either leaping on any mistakes in PR or... well, just inventing stuff because they *have* to come out on their platform of choice! Which just makes people hopeful.

  • kangarootoo #16 2 years ago

    @Xerx3s

    "They would have to release ME1 as well and that was published by MGS."

    Well, not really. Its unlikely I agree, but being a sequel is no reason for a game not to go cross platform (assuming there is nothing else blocking it).


    @donnie080208

    "YES but these are action games,while mass effect is a story driven RPG in which you will be missing out a lot if youve not played the first game."

    That is neither here nor there. We are talking about whether a successful game franchise might be released cross platform.

    It might be argued that the lack of prequel on the same platform affects the players enjoyment on the grounds that they don't know the backstory (I would argue that "missing out a lot" is exageration and that it won't impact enjoyment very much - as have the devs themselves). But that has nothing to do with whether it might happen (which is purely a business decision).

  • BritishBlue1 #17 2 years ago

    "Or you could just buy it on the PC or 360."

    My current PC sucks and uses the Ubuntu OS anyway. I'm not thrilled about L4D2, zombie games just aren't my thing. I am, however, a Mass Effect fan, the side missions may have sucked and I thought the Asari were ridiculous but it is easily a modern classic in my opinion. I will probably hold out to make absolutely certain it's not coming to PS3 but justifying the cost of a console for just one game will be hard to swallow.

  • GrumpyLlama #18 2 years ago

    I loved the first game, but I switched to the PS3 when my second 360 died. It would be great if they released it for the PS3 but I'm not holding my breath. Same goes for left 4 dead, though I take the point that not enough people use voice chat on the PS3.

  • Moribundman #19 2 years ago

    Saints Row set precedent in terms of releasing a sequel on the PS3 without having released the first part, but would they REALLY release a 2-3 year old game (however great it is) on the PS3, even assuming they had the rights to?

    Doubt very much that ME1 will see the light of day on the Playstation. And if it doesn't then the whole point of it being an "epic trilogy" will be buggered.

    Probably wouldn't stop the EA machine from trying to milk their new cash cow though...

  • Xerx3s #20 2 years ago

    "Well, not really. Its unlikely I agree, but being a sequel is no reason for a game not to go cross platform (assuming there is nothing else blocking it). "

    It is if the first part is integral to the story. It's like reading the LotR and starting at book 2. You would probably have a hard time getting into the story as characters have already been introduced, plots have already been set out and events have already take place.

  • swissorc #21 2 years ago

    I wasn't aware valve are so anti-Playstation does anyone know why this is?

  • Xerx3s #22 2 years ago

    "justifying the cost of a console for just one game will be hard to swallow. "

    ...

  • Moribundman #23 2 years ago

    @Xerx3s I take your point. Bioware have gone on record saying they're trying to make ME2 accessable for newcomers though. Hope they don't go TOO far in that direction tho... I haven't played ME: Galaxy but I'm quite happy to pick up the story of Jacob and Miranda in ME2.

  • kangarootoo #24 2 years ago

    @Xerx3s

    I think comparing the ME series to Lor of the Rings is stretching things a little. The ME story wasn't that complex, but more importantly a game is interactive, so a great deal of the enjoyment comes from that interactivity. I agree that a game experience can suffer a little if the player hasn't played the appropriate prequel, but I think the effect is being overstated in this case.

  • kangarootoo #25 2 years ago

    "> I wasn't aware valve are so anti-Playstation does anyone know why this is?

    Gabe used to work for Microsoft before he founded Valve."


    That isn't the reason. Gabe is quite grown up enough not to let that sort of nonsense get in the way of his business. His preference for the 360 is for reasons technical and business (mainly technical). He has been quite open about this in the past.

  • freakzilla #26 2 years ago

    IF they were to come to the PS3 I'd definitely at least try to rent, but at the same time I've got enough games. I still have 10 unfinished PSN games, infamous, currently addicted to SOCOM and a few PSP and PS2 stuff still unfinished.

    Edited by 1 at 12/10/09 @ 12:08

  • miiiguel #27 2 years ago

    "Dead Rising 2 on the PS3 and Ace Combat 6 on the 360 (and an exclusive as well!) say hi!i "

    This poster clearly never played Mass Effect, because comparing the narrative structure of Ace Combat (or even Dead Rising) to ME is painfull.
    Edited by 1 at 12/10/09 @ 12:38

  • Widge #28 2 years ago

    L4D works fine without comms. I don't have a headset on PC and people just play with an understanding of what to do and how to play.

    Well I suppose you can type to each other but by the time you hammer something out the moment has passed and your face has been eaten.

  • Les #29 2 years ago

    "Bioware have gone on record saying they're trying to make ME2 accessable for newcomers though."

    They'd better. The trouble with games is that the hardcore market doesn't seem to want to play anything older than 6 months... (Unless of course it's really old and gets a new life as DD). For books, age is hardly relevant.

  • miiiguel #30 2 years ago

    "justifying the cost of a console for just one game will be hard to swallow. "

    ...

    Indeed "...", I always smile when I see this "for just one game" or "the only game" (over several games, mind you...), is like saying "it's the only and only one I'd like to play, because from the other hundreds and hundreds of games I have absolutly no interrest whatsover. The only. The One.... In this thread, at least."

  • SpaceMidget75 Verified Senior Software Developer, Minerva Computer Services #31 2 years ago

    I have to say Widge that whilst L4D may work fine without comms, it works much much better with it. Once you've played enough games of L4D with comms it's very hard to go back. Especially Versus mode.

  • solidSnake04 #32 2 years ago

    if valve doesnt want to port it themselves at least they should hand the job to another company and stop complaining about the ps3 being crap. look at uncharted 2, and good examples of x platform like burnout.
    Edited by 1 at 12/10/09 @ 13:29

  • solidSnake04 #33 2 years ago

    The thing is I own both the Xbox 360 and the PS3. Look at my game collection for both machines. As an Xbox360 owner I feel like the PS3 only owners are missing out on a very good game. Left 4 Dead. Okay Everybody here will agree that Burnout is an excellent example of x platform development. surely it isnt impossible to have L4D up and running well on PS3. Its a huge market waiting out there.

  • kangarootoo #34 2 years ago

    @miiiguel

    "This poster clearly never played Mass Effect, because comparing the narrative structure of Ace Combat (or even Dead Rising) to ME is painfull."

    The poster did no such thing. He/she simply pointed out that precedent had been set for cross platform sequels to platform exclusive titles.


    "they withhold it from ps3 out of spite"

    Not everyone thinks the way you do.

  • Widge #35 2 years ago

    I really don't like Versus mode! I've only given it a short chance though, probably don't know the strategies and nuances. I can happily do normal campaign until the cows come home though. I play L4D to get away from the old vs. action.

  • miiiguel #36 2 years ago

    The poster did no such thing. He/she simply pointed out that precedent had been set for cross platform sequels to platform exclusive titles.

    Even to conceptually ilustrate a "precedent" using ME and Ace Combat in same sentence = Fail. Imo.
    Edited by 2 at 12/10/09 @ 13:39

  • Edwin #37 2 years ago

    Buying Dragon Age on the 360 as I read somewhere you get a bonus for Mass Effect 2... sweet. Mass Effect is a 360 game get over it, or buy a 360 to play one of the best games this gen.. simple.

  • kangarootoo #38 2 years ago

    @miiiguel

    Well you are setting some pretty high (and if I may say irrelevant) standards there then for defining =fail. Other commentors had suggested that the exclusive nature of the first game meant the sequel could not be cross platform. The poster simply gave prior examples of just such an occurrence.

    There is nothing conceptual about it. Neither did you need to put precedent in quotation marks. The previously referenced releases are exactly that.
    Edited by 1 at 12/10/09 @ 13:45

  • miiiguel #39 2 years ago

    "exclusive nature of the first game meant the sequel could not be cross platform"

    Yes, that's more like it, the "exclusive nature" as in ME1 is not a game per se, it'a 1/3 of a game which strongly relies on its narrative. Ace Combat? (and I love Ace Combat).
    Anyway, I still think ME can't be mixed in general exclusive titles (and it's a mistake, a "fail" one btw) which became cross platform, it's diferent. In my opinion of course. I can be wrong.

  • SpaceMidget75 Verified Senior Software Developer, Minerva Computer Services #40 2 years ago

    Widge, give it some more goes mate. I hated versus the first few times but it truly is one of the most tactical and original competitive MP experiences I've played. People on my FL have had similar experiences.

  • GreyBeard #41 2 years ago

    I still suspect a PS3 Mass Effect is on the cards, but probably not a for a while yet.

    MS aren't pursuing exclusives so much anymore now they have Natal to focus on, and realistically if EA didn't get control of Bioware's original IPs I'm not sure why they'd have bought the company.

  • kangarootoo #42 2 years ago

    @miiguel

    "as in ME1 is not a game per se, it'a 1/3 of a game which strongly relies on its narrative"

    I'm not sure what all this really means. Quite simply, that ME1 was platform exclusive does not mean that ME2 cannot be cross platform. That is all that is being said.

    You may if you wish describe ME1 as 1/3 of a game, but in practical terms (i.e. when talking about releases, otherwise known as SKUs), its just not true.

  • miiiguel #43 2 years ago

    I'm not sure what all this really means. Quite simply, that ME1 was platform exclusive does not mean that ME2 cannot be cross platform. That is all that is being said.

    Well, I think the point here is that I didn't play ME to have an high score, or to blow some shit up up in the skies, I played to live its Universe and got really interrested on th plot. I don't see ME (or any game realy) as a SKU I'm not a retailer and I suck at economy real bad (I'm pretty good at spending thoough). I'm not saying it can't, I just say you can't compare AC to ME, and one just plays ME2 and not the 1st one, he'll be missing - at least one third - of the experience, that doesn't happen with AC franchise. Anyway, I think we're starting to circle.
    A bit off-topicish, I think ppl at general gaming foruns are starting to loose the focus which should be the games and the whole SKU's, sales, numbers and shit is becoming their true hobby.
    Got to go now!

  • miiiguel #44 2 years ago

    I bought Mass Effect for my 360 and thought it was shit, i've got no interest in the second game.

    While this might sound pedantic, that undoubtable statement is probably one of the reasons I like it so much.
    Edited by 1 at 12/10/09 @ 15:14

  • davisorle #45 2 years ago

    " Left 4 Dead 2 seems the less likely of the two to appear"

    And sounds as if you arent aware fully there those are not even roumors and just screw ups. Purposly or not both those title are not even considere from those publishers to be released on another platfom or you know very well that the word would have been going around endlessly.

  • Quixz #46 2 years ago

    No! Sony you can't have it :)

  • kangarootoo #47 2 years ago

    @Dr_Strange

    I might agree, except mum jokes float around in their own sphere of humour, transcending all normal boundaries of taste and maturity.

    And in response to yet another yawnful "platform X is better than platform Y", it was kind of funny.

  • Widge #48 2 years ago

    MGS2 appeared on the Xbox without the previous game... thats quite story heavy with a lot of nods to the previous game. You don't need the previous game to play it but it certainly helps.

  • SeesThroughAll #49 2 years ago

    I did indeed mention the precedent, nothing more. As for the heavy story driven nature of the game preventing a sequel from being enjoyable to newcomers, I can think of Baldur's Gate II as an example of a sequel that was far more popular than the original, and which could still be enjoyed regardless of how much you knew of the first game, or indeed the Forgotten Realms universe.

    But by all means, pretend that I was really comparing an RPG to a fighter jet shooting game and a zombie basher.

    While this might sound pedantic, that undoubtable statement is probably one of the reasons I like it so much.

    It does. But we're all used to it.

  • miiiguel #50 2 years ago

    @ SeesThroughAll: Well, I did opinate on the idea not on the individual (I even used OP instead of STA). It seems hard for some not to be judging the characters of others based on... anything really.

    But we're all used to it.


    And yet again, Baldur's Gate is still a bad example.
    Edited by 2 at 12/10/09 @ 16:28

  • Les #51 2 years ago

    "and realistically if EA didn't get control of Bioware's original IPs I'm not sure why they'd have bought the company."

    I bet they push for it but maybe BioWare isn't so open to giving their IP to another party to do the porting or something? Or maybe they want to first build Dragon Age to build PS3 experience/a working PS3 engine and after that port the game to PS3 (assuming that DAge and ME make use of the same engine, have no clue)? Given that the PS3 version of DA will arrive later than the 360 and PC versions, as well as countless other evidence, the first PS3 game is kind of hard for all developers with a pure MS background.

  • Les #52 2 years ago

    "I would say L4D2 is more likely, as EA could just get another team to do the porting."

    Wasn't a huge success the last time they tried... Especially support after release was rather complicated.

  • Les #53 2 years ago

    "but only getting the sequel would be a bit odd, as the first game was heavily story based and the second directly continues"

    True, though there are ways around that. E.g. like Xenosaga II (Jenseits von gut und bose) did with the story cut scenes from the previous game included as a DVD.

  • kangarootoo #54 2 years ago

    @kangarootooo

    Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

    Frankly, I'm surprised nobody thought of it sooner.

  • GreyBeard #55 2 years ago

    @Les

    Around the time of the EA buyout it was widely reported that as part of the acquisition they'd get ownership of the IP. I've not come across anything since that says the MS have any rights to it at all, so presumably the option is there if EA thinks there's money in porting it.

    'Can be done' is not the same as 'Will be done', though.

    That said its a far more likely prospect that L4D ever making it to PS3, which I really doubt will happen.

  • miiiguel #56 2 years ago

    Im keeping my fingers crossed for the PS3 release as Im not buying a 4th xbox!

    How does the warranty works in your country? I think - unless you live in Africa or something - you should have at very least one year warranty. You should check that out, imo.

  • mgillespie #57 2 years ago

    They are coming to PS3, along with Mass Effect 1

  • Murton #58 2 years ago

    It's not so much that Valve and Gabe Newell in particular hate the PS3, it's more that they can't be bothered to write the code for it. They've never lived down the whole Orange Box fiasco that their outsourcing caused, the poor build quality and broken gameplay. I guess Valve/Newell sees simply not bothering to be the better choice for everyone than being lazy again and allowing another broken game to go out on PS3 with their name attached. Is it the right choice? Well Valve certainly don't need the extra sales on the PS3 or they'd release games for it, so I guess it's a choice that works for them as a company.

  • MeBrains #59 2 years ago

    donnie: "> I wasn't aware valve are so anti-Playstation does anyone know why this is? " because SONY in their arrogance released a console which takes too much time and money to develop for, the 360 has equal power but the devs ambitions can be realised within a reasonable budget/timeframe.this is why the worlds most respected devs(valve) bring their wonderful games to the msoft system

    much like MICROSOFT "in their arrogance" (the three words I am feeling the need to post this comment for) released a console which was known to be ill-engineered? The 360 was about to be inferior, but MS put so much money on the table buying part of the technology created for cell. Is this why the world's most respected devs (naughty dog) bring their wonderful games to the sny system?

    in other words: what has the decision to release new CPU technology to do with "arrogance"?! to me it sounds more like "innovation" - we can discuss later if it was or was not a good decision to do so...

  • Widge #60 2 years ago

    Mass Effect 2 on PS3 would be alright for me, it might get me to get a move on and finish the first one off and enjoy the 2nd in the old front room setting.

  • miiiguel #61 2 years ago

    Is this why the world's most respected devs (naughty dog) bring their wonderful games to the sny system?
    That or because they are a "Subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment"

    http://www.naughty dog.com/company/

  • EmiliasHorse #62 2 years ago

    @MeBrains

    What are you trying to say?

  • Les #63 2 years ago

    "Around the time of the EA buyout it was widely reported that as part of the acquisition they'd get ownership of the IP. I've not come across anything since that says the MS have any rights to it at all, so presumably the option is there if EA thinks there's money in porting it."

    Don't think I was very clear, my bad. ;)

    What I meant to say is that maybe BioWare doesn't want another party ruining their IP with a shoddy port as has become the norm in this gen. So they might want to build PS3 experience themselves with DA and maybe after that do a ME port in-house. Don't know, just speculating.

    From the part of EA it just doesn't make sense to not make the game multi-platform as there are plenty of developers around that can make shoddy but adequate PS3 ports for little money, opening up a nice additional revenue stream.

  • MeBrains #64 2 years ago

    emilia'shorse: i am trying to find out what "arrogance" has to do with creating a console architecture which is difficult to develop for. that's all.

    I reacted the way I did because donnie takes every opportunity he gets to make largely unfounded comparisons of PS3 to 360 in the latter's favor. He could just have said: PS3 is the more difficult platform to code for and Gabe Newell decided it was not worth Valve's resource investment. It would have been the same outcome, but it sounds different.

  • EmiliasHorse #65 2 years ago

    @Me Brains

    Good points.

    However

    Fighting with Donnie....pointless, he is a force of nature.

  • Les #66 2 years ago

    "i am trying to find out what "arrogance" has to do with creating a console architecture which is difficult to develop for. that's all."

    I don't support donnie one bit but it does appear Sony overestimated the power of their brand thus underestimating the barriers that a complicated architecture would raise for 3rd party developers to invest heavily in PS3 development. That might be called arrogance. Others might call it misplaced optimism or just plain foolishness... But that is in hindsight. Fact is, the PS2 sold like crazy despite a complex architecture and MS and Sony both destroyed huge amounts of money in chasing their HD dreams, despite everyone in the industry predicting that the SD Wii wouldn't stand a chance.
    Edited by 1 at 13/10/09 @ 08:23

  • kangarootoo #67 2 years ago

    If extoling the virtues of your product, whilst not shouting about the failings, is arrogance... every single company that has ever made a product is arrogant.


    Either that, or none of them are, because the accusation is bollox.

  • zedzee #68 2 years ago

    And in other news, EA said that PS3 owners should take it as standard practice that any decently written games for the X360 will never appear for the PS3 or they will appear 18 months later or they will be nothing more than a port, for new EA developers to cut their teeth on something.

  • Drakron #69 2 years ago

    "I am trying to find out what "arrogance" has to do with creating a console architecture which is difficult to develop for. that's all."

    Bragging about it and saying it was intentional?

  • Moribundman #70 2 years ago

    Hmmm. I think this certainly puts to bed the prospect of a PS3 release. At least for now.

    http://ww w.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/...