A documentary chronicling the rise and fall of the renowned RPG developer BioWare, titled "Massive Effect: The BioWare Story," is slated for release in 2027. The film aims to capture the studio's origins, its significant contributions to the gaming landscape, and its closure, with filming having begun two years ago.
Directed by Shane Fennessey and Adam Scorgie for Canada's Super Channel, the documentary is expected to cover BioWare's history from its founding in 1995 up to its eventual shutdown. The project was conceived before EA's decision to close the studio, a move that also led to the cancellation of Mass Effect 5. A leaked trailer and accounts from former developers had offered glimpses of the unreleased title.
The film will feature interviews with key figures from BioWare's past, including founders Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk, and Augustine Yip. Other notable appearances will include long-time developers such as Mark Darrah, David Gaider, Drew Karpyshyn, Aaryn Flynn, Mac Walters, Trent Oster, James Ohlen, and Caroline Livingstone. The documentary will also feature input from Jennifer Hale, Casey Hudson, and Geoff Keighley.
In a joint statement, co-founders Muzyka and Zeschuk expressed their honor and emotion at the project, stating, "BioWare was never just about the logo or the building. It was about the stories brought to life by the amazing people on our dev teams, and the fans who defended those worlds, championed them and carried them forward. We’re proud this film honors those who made it all possible. The best stories never really end. They live on in our memories and wait for someone to pick them up again."
While the documentary will cover the studio's closure, it is intended to be a comprehensive look at BioWare's influential legacy in the RPG genre, serving as a posthumous tribute to the studio's impact. The filmmakers hope the documentary will recognize the studio's significant influence on the industry, though its release coincides with the studio's end.