A Change.org petition urging Electronic Arts to "save Mass Effect" has attracted approximately 220,000 signatories, with support from Owlcat Games, the developers behind The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. Curiously, the petition makes no mention of BioWare, the studio that developed the acclaimed science fiction RPG series.
Instead, the petition alludes to "recent revelations" that have "cast a shadow over its future," a veiled reference to EA's recent decision to close BioWare. The petition advocates for EA to either commit further resources to Mass Effect or consider licensing the intellectual property to another studio capable of continuing the franchise. It emphasizes the series' profound impact on players and its role in promoting diversity in narrative-driven games.
Despite the omission of BioWare's name, the petition's organizers express a deep affection for the franchise, citing thousands of hours invested by fans in exploring its universe and connecting with its characters. The document posits that halting new developments would be a devastating prospect for the community and the broader landscape of narrative-focused games.
However, the petition's language, described as "officious and press-releasey," has drawn criticism for its corporate-sounding terminology and its detachment from the human element of game development. Former employees have suggested that EA may simply let the unreleased Mass Effect 5 languish indefinitely, rather than selling or licensing the IP.
The petition's approach has been called "weird" given that BioWare developers recently shared details about their abandoned plans for Mass Effect 5. Critics argue that a sincere expression of support for the franchise should acknowledge the creators and address the systemic issues that led to the current situation.