We just got word from Sierra Online that Prototype will be delayed until 2009. While this may seem like bad news, we are actually happy to see that Radical Entertainment will have more time to work on the game, including the multiplayer aspects that we thought was completely scrapped. With more time to finish the game, I think we can all agree that this may prove to be a great move, or a huge mistake if our expectations aren’t met come next year.

In Prototype, you assume the role of Alex Mercer, as you battle on the streets of New York city. Prototype is billed as an open-world superhero game, with the shape-shifting protagonist facing off against secret government forces and infected mutants.

“Sierra Entertainment and Radical Entertainment have made the decision to shift Prototype to launch in 2009,” said a company representative. “Since its announcement, Prototype has been regarded by many as groundbreaking and taking the open-world genre in new directions, and in the simplest explanation possible, we need more time to deliver the game the team initially set out to create.”

We’ll keep you updated on any changes to the game as they are unveiled.