Key information
A Change.org petition titled #SaveMassEffect has garnered nearly 180,000 signatures since its launch on October 21. This movement emerged the same day Electronic Arts shuttered BioWare and halted early development on the upcoming title, Mass Effect: Universe.
The petition urges EA to either provide sufficient resources and staffing to continue the franchise or license the intellectual property to another studio. This follows EA's decision to cut approximately 400 jobs, including 50 positions previously dedicated to the now-canceled project.
Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah noted that while EA retains ownership of the studio's IPs, the company is currently prioritizing cost-control measures. Darrah suggested that the publisher might choose to either sell these assets or leave them inactive.
Industry analysts observe that the company is operating under significant financial pressure following a $55 billion acquisition by a PIF-led investor group, which reportedly resulted in $20 billion of debt. Consequently, a series revival remains unlikely despite the substantial public interest.
