EA is shutting down BioWare, bringing to a close one of the most iconic studios in all of gaming. With that closure comes the risk that the beloved Mass Effect series may also fade away, so fans are coming together to let EA know how important it is.
As I write this, 84,000 signatures have been collected on the Save Mass Effect petition, and the number is growing rapidly.
“Mass Effect holds a special place in the hearts of millions of players worldwide. Its rich and immersive sci-fi universe, with Commander Shepard leading the iconic crew aboard the Normandy, has captivated gamers for years,” wrote the petition creator Joe Smith. “However, recent revelations have cast a shadow over its future. The decline in dedicated resources and ambiguous development plans from Electronic Arts (EA) threaten to leave this beloved series at a standstill, jeopardizing its incredible legacy.”
The petition calls upon EA to immediately commit to ensuring the future of Mass Effect either by continuing to work on the franchise internally or even licensing Mass Effect to external studios.
“Both solutions offer a way forward. By ensuring the ongoing expansion and enhancement of the Mass Effect universe, EA would not only preserve a cherished piece of gaming history but also continue to contribute to the cultural and emotional impact it has on gamers worldwide.”
While BioWare is shutting down, EA still holds the rights to the Mass Effect license, so my personal guess is Mass Effect will most likely live on. It still holds enough aura and money-earning potential for them to bring it back for another go, I reckon, although who will lead the project is anyone’s guess. Maybe Respawn? Hell, could they even be handed the Mass Effect: Universe build, the same one depicted in the leaked trailer?
But there’s always the chance EA will just let the license sit there doing nothing, which is why a petition like this could be an excellent way of trying to ensure Mass Effect gets to make its grand comeback. It’s not a guarantee, of course, but at least it’s something.
