A former BioWare employee has revealed that EA's new management expressed concerns about the studio's inclusive storytelling during the development of the now-canceled Mass Effect game, codenamed Mass Effect Universe. According to a report detailing anonymous employee accounts, the team was asked to remove a presentation video featuring a flag that resembled the LGBTQIA+ flag to avoid causing offense.
This incident occurred amidst broader concerns about BioWare's future following EA's acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's private investment fund, Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake. While the acquisition was not cited as the direct cause for the cancellation of Mass Effect Universe, the report suggests that management's skepticism towards BioWare's progressive themes may have contributed to a tense development environment. The studio has a history of incorporating same-sex romance options in its popular franchises, including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and The Sims, a hallmark that has resonated with a significant portion of its player base. The report does not specify whether the developers complied with the request to remove the flag.
Fans have previously expressed worry about BioWare's direction, especially given the studio's recent challenges. The report quotes an anonymous employee stating, "I think the video proposals we presented to the new management weren't convincing. Especially since BioWare is known for its inclusive storytelling, which didn't help to dispel the skepticism." The cancellation of the new Mass Effect title has been met with disappointment, particularly for players who valued BioWare's commitment to diverse representation within its narratives, seeing the games as a form of safe space.
