EA has seemingly removed Mass Effect-themed content from Battlefield 6 shortly after the studio announced the closure of BioWare, the developer behind the Mass Effect series. Players had noticed the addition of Mass Effect-themed cosmetic items within Battlefield 6's menus with the launch of Season 5 earlier in October.
The collection included sci-fi weaponry, a weapon charm featuring the Normandy ship, and other N7-branded items. These additions, coinciding with the approach of N7 Day, a day traditionally celebrated by the Mass Effect community, had led some to speculate about potential updates regarding the long-gestating Mass Effect 5.
However, these hopes were dashed when EA confirmed the closure of BioWare and the cancellation of Mass Effect 5. The studio was officially shut down on October 21, 2026, leading to layoffs. Following this announcement, players observed that EA had quietly removed any mention or availability of the Mass Effect cosmetics from Battlefield 6.
This move by EA has further disappointed a community already disheartened by the studio's closure. Continuing to promote Mass Effect content after the demise of the beloved sci-fi RPG franchise would likely have been seen as insensitive to fans mourning the series. With no N7 Day festivities expected for the game franchise, the cosmetic drop might have been perceived as an additional insult.
EA also faced criticism for a previous Dead Space crossover in Battlefield 6, which arrived while the future of the Dead Space game franchise remained uncertain. While fans reportedly enjoyed the Dead Space mode, some viewed the crossover as EA doing the minimum with its established intellectual properties.
Despite the game franchise's uncertain future, the Mass Effect TV series adaptation for Amazon's Prime Video is reportedly still in development. There are also ongoing discussions and hopes within the community for the Mass Effect IP to find a new home, potentially with some former BioWare developers.
EA completed its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners in August of this year. Analysts have suggested that BioWare's closure was predictable. In response to EA's decisions, a petition to save the Mass Effect series has gathered over 50,000 signatures. A trailer for the now-canceled Mass Effect 5 also recently leaked online.