Mercenaries 2 officially delayed

Electronic Arts has confirmed that shooter Mercenaries 2: World in Flames has been delayed.

The game is currently in development for PC, PS2, PS3 and Xbox 360. Recent rumours had it down for a February release, but EA told Eurogamer there would be no sign of it "within the next few months".

Now big boss John Riccitiello has confirmed the delay, stating Mercs 2 will be out in fiscal year 2009 - in other words, some time after 1st April. PS3 and Xbox 360 title Battlefield: Bad Company will also be late.

"We have made the decision to move Battlefield: Bad Company and Mercenaries 2 into fiscal 2009," Riccitiello said. "Both titles are looking great and we believe with additional polish we will build a better consumer experience and thereby maximise our economics."

No pain, no gain, apparently. "When I came back to EA I made a commitment to investing in quality, both because I think it's the right decision for the long-term financial health of the company and because it is what our consumers have a right to expect. This is an important principle, even if it results in short-term pain." OW.

Riccitiello's comments came as part of a conference call following the publication of EA's third quarter financial results. The company made a net loss of USD 33 million (GBP oh just half it), compared to a net income of USD 160 million during the same period last year.

Still, Need for Speed: Pro Street, FIFA 08, The Simpsons Game, Madden's Funny Old Football Game, The Sims 2 Castaway and NBA LIVE 08 all sold well. EA had also shifted 1.5 million copies of Rock Band by the end of December.