EA and BioWare aware of Mass Effect 3 save game import issue

EA and BioWare have said they are aware of an issue which is preventing some Xbox 360 users from importing their completed Mass Effect 2 save game files into Mass Effect 3.

“While Mass Effect 3 supports cloud saving for new or successfully imported Mass Effect 2 saves, it does not support the importation of endgame saves directly from the cloud,” explains an EA help page. “Additionally, this can cause it to not recognize save files that have been transferred via cloud to a console other than the one where they originated. Therefore, the following scenarios will result in no import functionality:

1. Moving your save file from the hard drive disc to the cloud.

2. Moving your save file to another Xbox 360 system via the cloud (instead of a memory card, transfer cable or Xbox 360 formatted USB stick).”

The help document suggests possible solutions.

Solution to scenario 1: Move your save file from the cloud back onto the hard drive from which it originated, i.e. the Xbox 360 you originally created the save file on.

Solution to scenario 2:Move your save file from the cloud back onto the hard drive from which it originated, i.e. the Xbox 360 you originally created the save file on. Using a memory card, Xbox 360 formatted USB stick, or the Official Xbox 360 HDD transfer cable, transfer the save file to the new Xbox 360.

EA notes “currently there is one scenario in which you might not salvage the completed, endgame save file: if you have ever moved your file to the cloud and the original system is not available to transfer it back to.”

Users who have downloaded or used custom Mass Effect 2 saves, or have edited their own save using a community-created program, may also experience importing issues.

“We understand this may be a great setback to those impacted who have been following the Mass Effect franchise over the years. We thank you for your patience,” concluded EA.

Mass Effect 3 launches in the UK on Friday. Read our Mass Effect 3 verdict here.