Leaked Mass Effect: Universe trailer surfaces after BioWare closure

A leaked trailer for the game Mass Effect: Universe has appeared online after video game publisher Electronic Arts (EA) announced the closure of BioWare, its role-playing game development studio. The game was intended as a new entry in the popular science-fiction series, but its development has now been halted.

What those involved have said

Sci-fi authors Catherynne M. Valente and Derek Kunsken revealed that they had worked on the game for years. Valente wrote that it was one of the greatest privileges and challenges of her life and that she worked hard for the fans. Kunsken added that what they were building was really cool.

EA executives Cam Weber and David Tinson wrote in a memo to staff that only a small BioWare team was working on early development of Mass Effect, and that the decision not to proceed with it led to the studio's closure. The memo called BioWare a legendary studio that helped define the role-playing genre. In a blog post last year, Executive Producer Mike Gamble had said the team was focused exclusively on Mass Effect and promised to show it when ready. After the closure announcement, he thanked fans on social media for their support over his 17 years at the studio.

What comes next

According to IGN, citing sources inside Prime Video, the Mass Effect streaming series announced in 2024 is still in active development. Meanwhile, an online petition with nearly 17,500 signatures urges EA to keep funding the series or license it to an outside studio. Petitioners face an uphill battle persuading EA's new private owners to prioritize a large narrative action RPG over more profitable franchises such as Battlefield, The Sims and annual sports releases.