Sierra confirms Prototype delay

Will now release in 2009 with the extra development time possibly being used to implement multiplayer.

Sierra Entertainment has confirmed to VideoGamer.com that Radical Entertainment's open-world sci-fi action title, Prototype, is to miss its scheduled 2008 release date and will now hit stores in 2009.

Sierra had previously told IGN: "Since its announcement, Prototype has been regarded by many as groundbreaking and taking the open-world genre in new directions, and in the simplest explanation possible, we need more time to deliver the game the team initially set out to create."

Interestingly the extra development time could enable the game to ship complete with multiplayer elements.

"As we've stated previously, Prototype's multiplayer development was never 'off the table' but rather under evaluation and on hold," a spokesperson told IGN. "Now, with the updated 2009 timing, Prototype multiplayer is still on the table for evaluation, and further details will be revealed down the line."

In Prototype players take control of Alex Mercer, a genetically engineered human who's capable of super human abilities and shape shifting. It's certainly looking like a blast and with some extra months in development will hopefully live up to its early promise.