On this year's N7 Day, the traditional celebration of the Mass Effect franchise, the cast and crew behind the beloved sci-fi series have released a joint video message urging fans to help save the franchise. This effort comes in the wake of EA's decision to shutter BioWare's development studios and cancel the next Mass Effect game, leaving the future of the series uncertain.
The two-minute video, organized by the unofficial fan group We are Mass Effect, features prominent voice actors including Jennifer Hale (Commander Shepard/FemShep), Ash Sroka (Tali'Zorah), Mark Meer (Commander Shepard/MaleShep), and many others, alongside composer Sam Hulick. Each participant delivers a plea to "Save Mass Effect," aiming to galvanize support for the series.
"It started feeling like Shepard recruiting the squad in Mass Effect 2!" We are Mass Effect's Mer told IGN, describing the collaborative process of creating the video. "We were bringing people on board one by one, and Mark was a huge help in making that happen! It almost felt like we were gathering War Assets. And the most surprising thing is that with every video we received, the actors would thank us."
This public appeal follows a period of intense fan activity. Since the news of the game's cancellation and BioWare's restructuring, a petition to save Mass Effect has garnered over 310,000 signatures. A Canadian politician also initiated a government petition to support BioWare. Fans have also organized boycotts against EA and have taken their message directly to the publisher's headquarters, utilizing billboards and mobile advertising.
We are Mass Effect has been at the forefront of these fan-driven initiatives, launching a #SaveMassEffect billboard in Times Square and driving a mobile billboard around EA's headquarters. Additional billboards have been placed near former BioWare offices and are planned for The Game Awards.
Michael Gamble, former project director and executive producer, also shared a message with fans for N7 Day, acknowledging their passion: "You all are truly amazing. The love and passion for this…universe…is incredible. Even in worst days, we could always count on you."
Other developers have expressed their solidarity. Owlcat Games, known for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, shared a video reflecting on the impact of Mass Effect and BioWare's work, stating, "Everybody in Owlcat dreamt about playing Mass Effect 5... We wanted to experience the next chapter in those adventures."
Despite the somber circumstances, the campaign continues with the hope of revitalizing the franchise. "We're still holding on to that hope and fighting for the future of Mass Effect, BioWare, and the people who have dedicated so much of themselves to bringing this universe to life," Mer added. "N7 Day is a reminder of what these games mean to all of us, but also of the people behind them."