A trailer showcasing what appears to be a canceled installment of the Mass Effect series has surfaced online, one day after EA announced plans to close BioWare's studio. The unverified trailer, reportedly for a game tentatively titled Mass Effect Universe, features a new protagonist alongside Liara T’Soni, a beloved companion from the original trilogy.
The trailer begins with a disclaimer stating it uses pre-production assets but is rendered in-engine. It depicts a man in the signature N7 trench coat meeting with an Asari character in a bar. The man explains his departure from the Alliance military for a new, potentially clandestine, line of work. The scene escalates into action before Liara reveals herself, leading to a biotic-infused bar fight and the game's title card.
This leak follows online claims from an individual purporting to be an EA employee, suggesting that a trailer for the game was prepared. Speculation suggests this trailer might have been intended for an N7 Day reveal, a traditional date for BioWare to celebrate the Mass Effect franchise. The timing of the alleged leak, close to the reported studio closure, raises questions about EA's communication and release strategies.
While EA has not yet commented, some writers who worked on the game have reportedly expressed satisfaction with its development progress. The emergence of this trailer, potentially from outside EA's official channels, offers a glimpse into the direction the game may have been heading. Further details are expected as this story develops.