Mechwarrior 5 Mercenaries has come a long way, a single-player game launched about a year ago as an Epic Games store exclusive.
Also, the steam version was to drop on December 10th, exactly a year after the original launch along with the ‘Heroes of the Inner Sphere’ DLC, but last two weeks, the developers at Piranha Games posted a special announcement on possible delay for both DLCs to spring 2021.
A significant reason was due to the postponed launch date for Cyberpunk 2077. However, the team plans to improve the quality of the DLC and simultaneously release a console version for Microsoft (X-box) next spring.
Here’s an excerpt from Mechwarrior’s official page:
After much consideration and debate, we have decided that moving the release date of MechWarrior 5 Mercenaries DLC Heroes of the Inner Sphere to Spring 2021 is the right choice. This will allow us to fulfill that dream and more. We are excited and proud to announce that now, in addition to playing MechWarrior 5 Mercenaries on PC, it will also be available on the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. This will be the first MechWarrior title on a console since 2004’s MechAssault 2, and in our opinion, the first true MechWarrior experience ever on a console.
Along with the Xbox release, this delay will allow us some additional opportunities that will benefit the game, as well as the MechWarrior community at large. First and foremost, the combined release on Steam, GoG, EGS, Microsoft Store, and Xbox consoles will give us more exposure and a broader reach than we’ve ever had before. We will capitalize on this increased exposure with our largest marketing initiative to date, bringing as many new eyes to the MechWarrior franchise as possible. This will give us more time to add improvements and quality of life features to the base game, including AI, UI, art, customization, and content. We will continue to tune the single-player campaign and new career modes, making running your Mercenary Unit the most rewarding experience possible.
Also, the studio signed an agreement to be acquired by Enad Global 7, an organization comprised of Antimatter Games and Toadman Interactive. These studios happen to be working together on I.G.I Origins (an upcoming stealth shooter), as well as Sold-Out Software (another video game publisher).
Moreover, the deal is estimated to be worth $24.14 million. According to Piranha Games, ‘it’ll enable the studio to take MechWarrior titles to the next level in the future.’