Latest Mass Effect: Andromeda Gameplay Trailer Spotlights Exploration; BioWare Explains Canned Multiplayer Test

After highlighting the combat and customization of Mass Effect Andromeda, BioWare has today lifted the curtain on a new gameplay demo for the sci-fi sequel that shifts the spotlight over to exploration and discovery.

For a franchise celebrated for its rich story and diverse characters, the video above is an exciting tease of what’s to come, not to mention the many side-quests scattered across the four corners of Andromeda. Taking control of the human Pathfinder, your job involves scouring the galaxy for habitable planets, which means exploration and discovery will no doubt stand as two pillars of Andromeda‘s gameplay loop.

Here’s how BioWare describes the demo above:

Welcome to the Mass Effect: Andromeda gameplay series. In this video, learn more about a galaxy that is yours to explore. Discover hundreds of points of interest, from new worlds and civilizations to derelict ships and mysterious vaults. In Mass Effect: Andromeda, you are on a mission to find a new home for humanity. How far will you go?

Elsewhere, despite mapping out plans for a multiplayer test prior to release, the studio has officially canceled the online beta, and will instead focus its resources on showcasing Mass Effect: Andromeda at PAX East. It’ll run over the weekend of March 10th.

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.

That’s disappointing, then, particularly as hundreds, if not thousands of budding players had already signed up to participate in the tech test. When asked specifically why BioWare opted to scrap the multiplayer demo, a spokesperson for the developer said: “Our team worked extremely hard building, testing & balancing MP, and we determined that a tech test would not be necessary.”

Mass Effect: Andromeda touches down for PS4, Xbox One and PC on March 21st. Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer is among the many voice actresses on board for the spacefaring adventure.