Mercenaries 2 and Battlefield: Bad Company delayed

Amongst the news to emerge from

EA’s latest trading statement

was the confirmation that two of its key next-gen titles, Mercenaries 2 and Battlefield: Bad Company, will now arrive some time in the publisher’s fiscal 2009 year.

In layman’s terms that means some time between April this year and April 2009, though it’s probably a safe bet to say that both should be here in time for Christmas.

"We have made the decision to move Battlefield: Bad Company and Mercenaries 2 into fiscal 2009," chief executive John Riccitiello stated in an EA conference call.

"Both titles are looking great and we believe with additional polish we will build a better consumer experience and thereby maximise our economics. This is an important principle, even if it results in short-term pain."