BioWare's upcoming Mass Effect game for the iPhone and iPod Touch isn't a prequel after all. Posting on the Mass Effect forums, community coordinator Chris Priestly clarified that the iPhone game isn't required reading that bridges the original Mass Effect and the sequel, but a "fun optional 'extra' game."

Priestly also revealed that development for the game is being handled by a team separate from those working on DLC development for Mass Effect. Said Priestly, "this is not 'the reason there hasnÂ’t been new DLC or patches'."

He also noted that none of the information in the original leak is official. More information on the handheld Mass Effect game will apparently be coming later this month, so keep checking back here for updates.

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  yes, it's real, but it turns out that Online survey reveals Mass Effect for iPhone, iPod Touch

Via Mass Effect forums