EA shut down BioWare earlier this week, a heartbreaking blow for fans of the studio's games. Shortly after, a concept trailer for BioWare's new Mass Effect project was leaked, adding to the disappointment. Although the project was still in early development, the footage showcased something highly anticipated.
Now, YouTuber Dantics has revealed more information about the project BioWare was developing at the time. He claims to have joined the Mass Effect fan community council, giving him insight into the game's development process and involvement in some design work.
Dantics' membership on the council has not been independently verified, but some social media users find his claims credible. BioWare's establishment of a fan community liaison council is well-known. The studio has mentioned such councils in past updates, and members' names have appeared in the credits of games like Mass Effect Legendary Edition and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. While council membership related to Mass Effect 5 remains unclear, Michael Gamble, a veteran Mass Effect developer and project director for the next installment, follows Dantics on X.
In a post on X, Dantics explained that the new Mass Effect story was originally set 600 years after the end of the Reaper War. Players would control a customizable N7 operative. He described this character as blending traits of John Wick and James Bond.
In this timeline, the galaxy is divided into three major factions. The first alliance consists of humans, Batarians, Krogans, and other groups. The second bloc comprises the Council races, including Asari, Salarians, and Turians. The Geth will also rise to become the third major power in the galaxy.
Unlike the Reaper invasion that threatened the survival of galactic civilization, the new story will focus on political tensions and competition among the major factions. Dantics describes this situation as a "galactic Cold War."
Dantics also revealed a connection between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy. According to him, the game will include close-up brutal execution scenes, a design choice that seems to fit the overall atmosphere of this epic sci-fi RPG.
He also stated that romantic relationships in the new game would not be overly diluted or restricted. Considering the content presented in games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, this might mean the new title will portray emotional relationships and adult content in a more liberal manner.
Another mentioned detail is Liara's return to the story. According to this information, she will appear as a powerful Asari Matriarch and once again play a significant role in the Mass Effect universe.
In another video, Dantics explained that the development team originally intended for all three endings of the first Mass Effect trilogy to connect with the new story, rather than selecting just one ending as the official canon for the series.
Six hundred years after the events of Shepard's era, the Reapers are no longer seen as advanced and invincible technology, and their threat is far less than before. On the other hand, advancements in cybernetic technology and its widespread application in future society provide a suitable foundation for accommodating the "Synthesis" or "Control" endings, where the boundary between organic life and technology is altered.
If players choose to destroy all Reapers and related entities at the end of Shepard's story, and Shepard survives the war, he obviously cannot still be alive 600 years later. However, his legacy and the impact of his actions will still exist within the game world.
Overall, BioWare's original plan as described by Dantics is quite promising. The new story maintains strong ties to the Shepard trilogy, which could re-engage old fans, especially those who became pessimistic about the series' future after experiencing Mass Effect: Andromeda. Meanwhile, the significant time gap from previous events provides ample room for creating new concepts and narratives.
Of course, the new title won't completely break from the past. A massive threat will still emerge from the dark corners of the universe, and the series' finest warriors will step up to confront it. This hero will shoulder the task of saving the world with the help of friends. This is the familiar Mass Effect formula, and exactly what fans want. Sometimes, it must be admitted that for a beloved franchise, simply providing more of the same is enough.
Unfortunately, the new Mass Effect may never be released, and this possibility seems very high. Unless EA decides to transfer the franchise rights to another company or entity—even the Canadian government has been speculated as a potential taker. However, EA has shown no intention of transferring the series so far.
Therefore, considering BioWare's closure and the current situation, these leaked details about the game's plans may be the closest fans will ever get to seeing the intended project.