Planned downloadable content for EA's military shooter, Battlefield 6, that would have included Mass Effect-themed cosmetics has been removed from the game's in-game store. The removal comes shortly after publisher Electronic Arts announced the closure of BioWare, the studio behind the Mass Effect franchise.
The unreleased cosmetics reportedly featured N7 logos and a charm of the Normandy, Commander Shepard's ship. These items were speculated to be a tie-in for N7 Day, BioWare's annual celebration of its sci-fi RPG series. Following the news of BioWare's shutdown, the items seemingly disappeared from Battlefield 6's digital storefront.
This collaboration follows a previous instance where Battlefield 6 released Mass Effect cosmetics shortly after EA significantly downsized BioWare in 2025. The timing of that earlier event was met with criticism, with the recent discovery of new Mass Effect items, only for them to be removed after the studio's closure, has drawn further scrutiny.
While no official reason has been provided for the removal, it is speculated that EA opted to pull the cosmetics to avoid negative public relations. Releasing such content so soon after the closure of the studio responsible for the original games could have been perceived as insensitive. Some players have expressed a desire to retain these items as a form of remembrance for BioWare and its legacy, though the potential backlash appears to have influenced EA's decision.
The situation occurs amidst ongoing Mass Effect projects, including an Amazon television series, which continue to be developed by EA. This has led to concerns that EA may continue to profit from BioWare's intellectual property without the involvement of the original creators. Reports indicate that Mass Effect 5, subtitled Universe, was in development by BioWare prior to the studio's closure, leaving the future of its narrative uncertain.
For the immediate future, EA appears to have postponed any N7 Day-related plans for Battlefield 6. The long-term implications of EA's continued utilization of BioWare's IPs remain a subject of concern for fans and industry observers.