Following EA's recent closure of BioWare and the subsequent cancellation of the upcoming Mass Effect game, a fan-driven petition titled "#SaveMassEffect" has rapidly gained traction. Launched on the same day as BioWare's shuttering, the petition has surpassed its initial goal of 30,000 signatures, reaching over 52,000 at the time of reporting.
The petition urges EA to either assign another studio to continue the development of the Mass Effect franchise or to license the intellectual property to allow for its continuation elsewhere. Joe Smith, the petition's author, highlighted the series' significant impact on players, stating that Mass Effect holds a "special place in the hearts of millions" due to its "rich and immersive sci-fi universe" and memorable characters.
Despite the outpouring of fan support, industry analysts express skepticism regarding the likelihood of such a petition influencing corporate decisions. Joost Van Dreunen, an industry analyst, noted that well-known IPs like Mass Effect are often "prestige projects" for publishers, and their value can be complex to divest. He suggested that while EA might consider selling IPs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age following BioWare's closure, acquiring studios like CD Projekt Red, which already manage significant projects, could be a challenging prospect for potential buyers.
There have been suggestions of exploring government intervention, with a Canadian politician advocating for government support to enable BioWare employees to buy out the studio. However, this path is described as a long shot with a lengthy potential timeline.
While the future of Mass Effect remains uncertain, the strong fan response underscores the franchise's enduring legacy. The spirit of the series may also live on in other titles, with games like Exodus and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn being mentioned as potential successors. Fans have been actively mourning the loss of BioWare on social media, reflecting the deep connection players have to the Mass Effect universe.