The #SaveMassEffect movement has surged past 200,000 signatures on its petition, fueled by vocal support from Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer, the actors who voiced Commander Shepard, and endorsements from the Destiny gaming community. This milestone marks a significant escalation for fans advocating for the continuation of the Mass Effect series following EA's announcement of BioWare's studio closure and the cancellation of Mass Effect 5.
Jennifer Hale, who voiced the female Commander Shepard, shared a video expressing hope for a fan-driven revival, suggesting a scenario involving fan crowdfunding, investors, and game companies collaborating to bring Mass Effect back to life. Hale had previously voiced her sadness over the studio's closure and a leaked trailer for a canceled project titled Mass Effect: Universe, but found a sense of hope in fan action.
Mark Meer, the voice of the male Commander Shepard, joined Hale in supporting the movement, echoing her sentiments about the unfortunate news for BioWare's Edmonton studio and the wider industry. He shared a video urging fans to sign the petition, emphasizing the need to "Hold the line."
The Change.org petition aims to "prominently illustrate to EA the significance of this iconic series" and has seen widespread support amplified by notable figures. Beyond the Shepard actors, the Destiny community has been particularly active in boosting the petition. Having previously organized to advocate for their own game's future, Destiny players have shown solidarity with the Mass Effect fanbase.
Developer Owlcat Games also lent its voice, using the official X/Twitter account for its upcoming game, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, to encourage followers to sign the petition. The studio cited the fan-led revival of The Expanse television series as inspiration and expressed full support for the #SaveMassEffect movement.
While the likelihood of such a large-scale revival remains uncertain, the passionate response from the Mass Effect community and allied groups highlights the enduring legacy of the series. Details about the canceled Mass Effect: Universe project have recently surfaced, and some fans are also exploring the possibility of organizing a boycott against EA.