By Winda Benedetti

It's official. Perhaps the most anticipated video game on the horizon — "Mass Effect 3" — is getting multiplayer features.

Mere moments ago, the series executive producer — Casey Hudson — used his Twitter account to confirm what the rumor mill has suggested for months:

"Yes, co-op MP missions for #ME3: they're real, and they're spectacular. Rest assured it's nothing of what you've feared. More soon..."

And the official Twitter account for game development company BioWare (aka, the people making "Mass Effect 3") has chimed in as well:

There will be a multiplayer component for #ME3. Full details soon, so wait until then before making your decision. We think you'll like it!

So, the good news (or not-so-good news, depending on your perspective) is: You'll be able to dive into the final installment in the epic space-faring, alien-fighting, galaxy-saving franchise with your friends. The bad news is: That's all we know for sure right now.

But according to a new post on the Mass Effect Facebook page, we won't have to wait for long:

Tune in for a special BioWareTV episode at 10AM on Wednesday October 12th to have all your questions answered!

This will be the first time the best-selling, critically acclaimed action role-playing series known for its character development and deep story has jumped into multiplayer gameplay. The much-loved first two games remained focused on delivering an epic single-player experience — and some fans have expressed concerns (and even some anger) that the franchise might move away from that.

But up until Monday, BioWare had remained silent when asked about whether they would incorporate a multiplayer component into "Mass Effect 3."

After months of burbling up the grape vine, the "Mass Effect 3" multiplayer rumors went to warp speed Monday morning as several gaming magazines began promoting their upcoming issues with claims that they had the scoop on "Mass Effect 3's" multiplayer features. Both PC PowerPlay magazine and the Official Xbox Magazine say they have the full details straight from Hudson, which won't be revealed until the magazines hit the stands (Oct. 19 for PowerPlay and December for Xbox Magazine).

But it looks like BioWare is going to answer our questions sooner than that. Until Wednesday however, we'll just have to wonder: Will the multiplayer be co-op only? How will this affect the way the game's story unfolds? And will it be as spectacular as Hudson promises?

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Winda Benedetti writes about games for msnbc.com. You can follow her tweets about games and other things here on Twitter or join her in the stream here on Google+. And be sure to check out the In-Game Facebook page here.

Winda Benedetti