It seems each time I write about MechWarrior 5, the game is getting pushed back. Same as the last article I wrote, I regret to inform everyone looking forward to this series’ return that the latest entry in the giant mech series has been delayed. The good news is that MechWarrior 5 is still on track for 2019, with a December 10, 2019 launch date. The iffy news is that it will now be an Epic Games Store exclusive for roughly a year.
In a press release sent out by developer Piranha Games, MW5 executive producer Russ Bullock said, “Our partnership with the Epic Games store allows Piranha the opportunity to make sure MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries meets our internal goal of creating the best MechWarrior game possible. Since we announced the development of the first single-player MechWarrior game in 17 years, we have stated that our goal was to deliver to fans a MechWarrior: Mercenaries experience with true freedom of choice and to be able to share that experience in a coop setting.”
Bullock notes that some fans are likely going to be upset, but that Piranha is more worried about making sure the game launches without problems. I can’t blame him, especially since MechWarrior used to be a massive franchise. I have very fond memories of playing MechWarrior 2 as a kid and even the MechAssault spin-offs were a great time. If Epic’s money allows Piranha to do this series justice, then it’s a pill I’ll have to swallow.
If this news does upset you, Piranha will be offering refunds for any pre-orders of MechWarrior 5 made before this decision. You’ll be able to request a full refund up until September 1, 2019, and Piranha will even allow you to keep any of the pre-order bonuses from the Collector’s and Ultimate editions if you so choose. An FAQ over on the MechWarrior 5 website has all the information you’ll need to go about that process.
Source: Destructoid MechWarrior 5 suffers a delay, set for December 2019 launch on Epic Games Store