Mass Effect fans have initiated a boycott of Electronic Arts (EA) products and services, protesting the recent closure of BioWare and the cancellation of the next installment in the beloved sci-fi franchise. The move comes as a fan-led petition urging EA to either sell the Mass Effect intellectual property or assign development of the next game to a different studio has garnered over 76,500 signatures.
Widespread Discontent Among Players
The announcement on October 21st that EA would be shutting down BioWare, the studio responsible for seminal RPGs like Dragon Age and Mass Effect, sent shockwaves through the gaming community. This decision also meant the immediate cancellation of the next Mass Effect game, a project that players had eagerly anticipated. In the wake of these announcements, fans have organized online, using the hashtag #savemasseffect to voice their discontent and call for action.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight the depth of player frustration. One user implored fellow fans to "start something here and cry out loud enough that this game can be saved. Either EA making it or selling it off." Another Redditor, in a post titled 'EA Boycott!', declared, "I will never buy another EA product ever" unless the company reconsiders its decision, extending the boycott to all EA-owned studios and sports titles.
A Petition Gaining Momentum
The fan-made petition on Change.org has become a central rallying point for the movement. It calls on EA to either license Mass Effect's IP to other developers or to transfer the development of Mass Effect 5 to an alternative studio. The petition's rapid growth in signatures suggests a significant portion of the fanbase is united in its opposition to EA's recent actions.
Leaked Trailer Fuels Further Outrage
Adding to the player's dismay, a full-length trailer for the canceled Mass Effect game, reportedly titled Mass Effect Universe, was leaked online. Many fans believe this trailer showcased a game that would have delivered on player expectations, making its cancellation even more bitter. Industry veterans and even voice actors from the Mass Effect series have spoken out in support of the campaign, hoping to influence EA's decision.
However, industry analysts and former BioWare executives have expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of EA yielding to fan pressure. Despite these predictions, the ongoing boycott and the burgeoning petition signal a strong player response to the perceived mishandling of a highly respected franchise.