Following various retailers shifting the release of Darkspore, publisher Electronic Arts and developer Maxis has confirmed the delay today. Instead of shipping in late March as originally announced, Darkspore will now hit North America on April 26, and across Europe beginning April 28.



That's the bad news. The good news is that the game, which is currently in a closed beta, will see a wider open beta release in April.



"Given the positive response and feedback received over the course of the Darkspore closed beta, an open beta will be available in April," an EA spokesperson told us today.



This open beta period will allow even more players to experience Darkspore before it launches and allow the team to incorporate additional player feedback and add even further polish to the game," the spokesperson said, before adding: "There will also be additional closed betas where select players will have a chance to experience new game updates.”



Before heading into the open beta next month, be sure to brush up on your Darkspore knowledge by checking out our early preview coverage.