Mass Effect 2 to be Xbox 360 exclusive

Popular developers BioWare have announced intentions to restrict their Mass Effect trilogy to the Xbox 360 for the time being, despite pressure for a multi-platform release from fans.

"I believe we'll be Xbox 360 exclusive for at least a short period of time," stated Matt Atwood, senior manager at BioWare. "We're still working out the details on that, but we've had a great relationship with Microsoft and done very well."

Speculation had been rife that, following EA's buyout of the company, Mass Effect's sequel would be set for a multi-platform release. However, it seems clear that Microsoft doesn't intend to share one of their prize releases just yet.

"I think you'll see a PC version not too far away," said Mr Atwood, confirming the sequel would make the same journey as its predecessor."

"We haven't solidified plans yet but we're headed in the direction where we want to be as close as possible (on PC)."

Few details on the second game in the franchise have thus far emerged, though BioWare's Greg Zeschuk told MTV: "We look at Mass Effect 2 as incredibly exciting."

"Just the amount of effort and knowledge and know-how that went into building the technology for the first one is huge, and we now have the chance to actually make things a little bit richer."