Expect Spore before the holidays, whatever that means

Those pesky analysts are at it again, and this time, the slippery release date of Spore is taking it on the chin. Ever since Will Wright announced the God game back in 2005 that promised to take us from origin to space, people have been clamoring for a solid release date, and the chance to command evolution for themselves. As you well know, it’s now 2008, and while the years may have passed, anticipation hasn’t waned in the least.

That’s why grumbles and sighs could be heard all across the Internet when Janco analyst Mike Hickey pointed to EA’s stock performance, and declared that delays of high-profile games were the obvious culprit. In essence, the tea leaves were all pointing to Spore being delayed (again) to fall or winter of this year. This went against EA’s last promise that we would get our hands on the finished build by March, April, or May. So which is it?

More on Spore, after the jump. 

Then came the conference call, in which EA CEO, John Riccitiello gives a somewhat riddled answer:

“We’re not announcing dates for any of our titles. We will tell you it’s gonna be before the holidays. We’re very, very bullish.”

We hear you loud and clear John, but what holidays are we talking about here? I can think of several between now and the end of the year. Before you rabid fans lose your patience and shutdown the Internet, just keep in mind that things could be worse. At least we still have the hope that sooner or later, we’re going to get the chance to play this game.

[Via Shacknews]