Almost 200,000 Mass Effect fans sign petition to save the series after BioWare’s demise
By In the days following BioWare’s abrupt closure and the cancellation of Mass Effect 5, enthusiasts of the RPG franchise have united around a petition to “Save Mass Effect” that has garnered almost 200,000 signatures. Mark Meer and Jennifer Hale (the voices behind the male and female incarnations of Commander Shepard, respectively) are also supporting the community’s initiatives.
“Mass Effect occupies a unique position in the hearts of countless players globally,” the petition’s narrative states. “Its elaborate and engaging sci-fi realm, with Commander Shepard commanding the legendary crew aboard the Normandy, has entranced gamers for years. Nonetheless, recent disclosures have clouded its future. The reduction in committed resources and unclear development strategies from Electronic Arts (EA) endangers this cherished series, threatening its remarkable legacy.”
The petition does not demand that publisher EA change their decision on BioWare‘s situation directly, but urges the corporation to undertake “decisive measures by dedicating themselves to the ongoing development of Mass Effect” with “adequate financing, sufficient staffing, and time investment to uphold and elevate the high standards the franchise is recognized for.”
If EA is not prepared to allocate millions for another installment of Mass Effect – apart from the leaked Mass Effect Universe – the petition proposes that the publisher could alternatively grant the rights to “another studio that shares the enthusiasm and vision to keep it vibrant and enable it to thrive anew.”
“Both approaches provide a path forward. By guaranteeing the continuous growth and improvement of the Mass Effect universe, EA would not only safeguard a treasured fragment of gaming heritage but also continue to enhance the cultural and emotional significance it holds for gamers around the globe,” the petition elaborates.
Renowned FemShep actress Jennifer Hale took to social media to express her thoughts on a scenario where a fan-based Kickstarter initiative, a game studio, and a consortium of investors could collaborate to rejuvenate the series. Matt Meer shared a comparable video,
