In a post on their forums and message boards earlier today, Bioware confirmed that their hotly anticipated sci-fi RPG sequel will be delayed to 2012.

Casey Hudson, executive producer for the series, writes: "Mass Effect 3 will be released in the first three months of 2012. The development team is laser focused on making sure Mass Effect 3 is the biggest, boldest and best game in the series, ensuring that it exceeds everyone’s expectations.”

Immediate reactions around the office range from simple disappointment to relief that we'll have more time to dedicate to the coming fall's other time-intensive RPGs (namely Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim).