A short video clip, purportedly showcasing an unannounced Mass Effect title, has surfaced online just a day after news broke regarding the closure of developer BioWare. The footage, which appears to be an early pre-production asset reel, refers to the project as "Mass Effect Universe."
Despite the context of BioWare's reported shutdown, the clip suggests that development on a new Mass Effect game was underway. The two-minute video introduces a new protagonist who seemingly has ties to the same organization as Commander Shepard. While the character exhibits similarities to the series' iconic lead, the footage does not clearly indicate it is Shepard themself. The clip also reportedly features a new cast of characters, updated powers, shooting mechanics, and even romance scenes.
While the authenticity of the leaked footage has not been officially verified, there are several indicators suggesting its validity. Individuals who reportedly worked on the next Mass Effect game had previously claimed to be "working on a great game." Furthermore, a recent LinkedIn post from an alleged EA employee stated that a trailer for Mass Effect 5 had been completed. The leaked video also lacks common tell-tale signs of AI-generated content and appears to include voice performances from actors previously involved in the Mass Effect series. This leak comes at a confusing time for fans, especially given reports that Mass Effect 5 had been in early development for five years as of 2020.