The future of the next Mass Effect game, teased by EA and BioWare in 2023, is under significant doubt, according to a former Electronic Arts executive. Emmanuel Rosier, who served as a senior manager at EA for nine years, stated that the continued funding for BioWare, the studio behind the Mass Effect franchise, is questionable in the wake of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's full acquisition of EA.
Rosier, now director of market intelligence at Newzoo, expressed his concerns from a business perspective. He noted that BioWare has faced struggles as a studio and brand in recent years. "I don't know if they will keep funding that one. I think that's the biggest question mark for me," Rosier told PC Gamer. When asked directly if EA might cancel the game, his response was unencouraging, indicating a wait-and-see approach: "I will believe it when I see it, the next Mass Effect game, let's put it that way."
With EA reportedly saddled with $20 billion in debt following the acquisition, the publisher is expected to focus more aggressively on its most profitable franchises. This strategic shift could leave less room for single-player focused titles or games that do not have the same earning potential as live-service titles like EA Sports FC Ultimate Team or Apex Legends. BioWare veteran Mark Darrah also previously voiced similar doubts, suggesting that EA might divest studios that have underperformed financially, have not released a game recently, or develop titles misaligned with the new ownership's interests.
The acquisition of EA by the Public Investment Fund is anticipated to lead to significant changes within the company, including potential layoffs and game cancellations, impacting the overall culture and development priorities.