BioWare has announced that Mass Effect will be released for the PC, with a few tweaks thrown in for good measure.

The game will hit shop shelves in May. Well, we should probably say 'store' shelves, since that release window is, for now at least, a US one. SPOnG spoke to an EA rep to find out when we will see the PC version of Mass Effect in the UK and was told, "We don't have a date for it yet."

Yes, that was an EA rep, not a Microsoft spokesperson. That's not just because of EA's acquisition of BioWare, either. EA has now taken over the publishing of Mass Effect, which led to our next question; Will we see Mass Effect on any other platforms now that Microsoft is no longer holding the publishing reins? "No comment", came the response.

As for the PC version of Mass Effect, EA promises that the controls will be optimised for the PC, throwing in full customisation and a hot key system that enables players to map biotic powers or skills for "a heavier focus on action". There will also be a new decryption mini-game and an overhauled inventory screen to make life easier.

"Mass Effect serves as a powerful example of video games as an art form, delivering new levels of emotional intensity, realistic characters and a gripping storyline - all set in a compelling new universe," said Ray Muzyka, BioWare's general manager and VP at EA.

Frank Gibeau, president of EA’s Games Label added, "EA has struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect. We are looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this Spring and brand new titles in the future."

Brand new titles? With EA unlikely to quit publishing games after Mass Effect, is Frank trying to tell us that sequels are on the way?

This news means the guys over at BioWare have clearly had a lot on their plates recently. As well as the PC version they've got some downloadable content to have ready in March.

For more on Mass Effect, see SPOnG's dedicated game page.