Mass Effect: Andromeda dev emphasizes the game is “exploration-based,” not open-world

Just under a year ago, a rumor based on a survey for Mass Effect: Andromeda suggested that the game would have a "seamless open-world galaxy, rich with discovery." Now, a developer working on Mass Effect: Andromeda wants to clear that rumor up. 

"I definitely wouldn't call Andromeda an open-world game," said producer Michael Gamble to OXM (via GamesRadar). Instead of being an open-world game, it's an 'exploration-based game' – well at least that's what the developers call it.

Basically, it's going to be like previous Mass Effect games, which makes sense… because it's a Mass Effect game.

"We like to use the term 'exploration-based game.' You still have the concept of tight story deliverance and all the great things you come to expect with Mass Effect. The layer on top of that is a layer of exploration. Sometimes that happens in open spaces, but not always. You can cruise around some of these planets in the Nomad, but it's not the traditional sandbox-type game."

Mass Effect: Andromeda releases on March 21 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.