Mass Effect-themed items that were seemingly prepared for Battlefield 6 have been quietly removed from the game's menus, just days after Electronic Arts announced the abrupt closure of developer BioWare. These crossover items, including weapon charms and N7 tags, were spotted by players in the shooter's cosmetic options shortly after Battlefield 6's Season Five update but remained locked and unavailable.
The sudden disappearance of the Mass Effect content follows EA's decision to cease operations at BioWare, a studio renowned for its work on the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises. The move has led to the cancellation of the next installment in the Mass Effect series, a project that was reportedly intended to incorporate elements inspired by games like Baldur's Gate 3 and The Witcher, offering players unprecedented choice.
Speculation had suggested the Mass Effect cosmetics in Battlefield 6 might have been intended as a nod to the annual N7 Day celebration, a tradition for fans of the series. However, with the studio's closure and the cancellation of Mass Effect 5, these plans appear to have been shelved. Players quickly noticed the items were no longer accessible and shared their observations online.
This situation draws parallels to a recent Dead Space crossover event in Battlefield 6, which also divided player opinion. Concerns were raised about the utilization of beloved franchises within a live-service model, particularly when the future of those series remains uncertain. The apparent readiness of the Mass Effect cosmetics suggests they were finalized before the studio's closure.
EA stated that its decision to close BioWare and lay off 400 employees was part of a strategic alignment of talent and investment towards opportunities with the greatest player potential and long-term growth. The closure of BioWare has been met with widespread mourning within the gaming industry, marking the end of a significant era for role-playing game development. Despite the cancellation, a leaked trailer for a project identified as 'Mass Effect Universe' has offered fans a small glimpse into what might have been.