Mass Effect fans launch petition to save series after BioWare closure

BioWare Electronic Arts Mass Effect video game industry Mass Effect Universe

Following Electronic Arts (EA) announcement regarding the closure of BioWare, a massive online petition titled “#SaveMassEffect” has surpassed 200,000 signatures. The movement seeks to ensure the continued development of the Mass Effect franchise, even if EA chooses to license the intellectual property to a different studio rather than developing it in-house.

The closure of the legendary Canadian studio has also resulted in the cancellation of a highly anticipated project reportedly titled “Mass Effect Universe.” Leaked details from former technical director Romain Toutain suggest the project aimed to create a complex system of branching timelines based on player choices from the original trilogy.

Prominent supporters of the movement include Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer, the voice actors for Commander Shepard. Hale has expressed hope for a community-driven revival through models like Kickstarter. As the backlash grows, fans have discussed taking their protest offline, including plans for a billboard near EA’s headquarters in California.

Entities

BioWare · California · Electronic Arts · Jennifer Hale · Mark Meer · Mass Effect

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The petition suggests EA should license the Mass Effect IP to another studio. gigazine.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] The leaked internal trailer for 'Mass Effect Universe' is authentic. gigazine.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Fans are planning to display a billboard in front of EA's headquarters in California. www.it-boltwise.de
[DISPUTED] The #SaveMassEffect petition has surpassed 200,000 signatures. pk.ign.com · gigazine.net
[● 2 SOURCES] Development for the 'Mass Effect Universe' project has been canceled. pk.ign.com · gigazine.net
[● 2 SOURCES] EA decided to close BioWare. pk.ign.com · gigazine.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Jennifer Hale supports the #SaveMassEffect movement. pk.ign.com