Mass Effect Fans Launch Petition to Save Canceled Sequel After BioWare Closure

The facts

What Happened: BioWare Closure and Mass Effect Cancellation

EA has closed BioWare, according to multiple overseas media reports.

BioWare was the studio behind the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series. With its closure, the in-development next Mass Effect game has been canceled.

Details about the timing and reasons for the closure are not available in the information confirmed so far.

Sources: ign.com, pcgamer.com, dexerto.com

What the Petition Demands

The petition was started by Joe Smith. Titled 'Save Mass Effect,' it reportedly gathered over 50,000 signatures within days of launching.

The petition proposes two options: one is for EA to fund the development of the next Mass Effect game; the other is for EA to license Mass Effect to another development company. Licensing means granting another company the rights to create works based on the franchise.

The petition does not demand the revival of BioWare itself. Its distinguishing feature is that it aims solely at continuing the Mass Effect franchise.

Sources: ign.com, pcgamer.com, dexerto.com

Signature Counts Vary Across Reports

Reported signature counts differ: IGN reported 50,000, PC Gamer reported over 180,000, and Dexerto reported over 200,000.

This is likely due to different reporting times, indicating that signatures are increasing rapidly in a short period.

All figures are as of their respective reporting times; the exact current number of signatures is unknown.

Sources: ign.com, pcgamer.com, dexerto.com

Analysis

Editor's View: What Fan Reaction Shows

This petition is less a protest against the studio closure itself and more a front-and-center expression of fans' desire to see the franchise continue. The fact that it does not seek BioWare's revival can be seen as a move to explore realistic options.

For EA, the question is how to handle the value of a popular series. Licensing means lending the rights to another company, proposed as a way for EA to keep the brand while allowing the series to continue.

The rapid accumulation of signatures shows the enduring popularity of Mass Effect, but there is no guarantee that a petition alone will change a company's decision. The focus now is whether EA will respond in any way.

Sources: ign.com, pcgamer.com, dexerto.com

What's Next: EA's Response and the Future of the Series

It is currently unknown whether EA will officially comment on the petition. Companies rarely respond directly to fan petitions, but if the number reaches a level that cannot be ignored, a statement may be issued.

Whether licensing becomes a realistic option depends on EA's business strategy and interest from other companies. For a large IP like Mass Effect, negotiations are expected to be difficult.

Fans may want to wait for further news while also considering other ways to show support beyond signing the petition.

Sources: ign.com, pcgamer.com, dexerto.com

Why Fans Mobilized Now

In the gaming world, when a studio closes, the games it was working on often disappear. The next Mass Effect was reportedly canceled mid-development, meaning fans who were waiting for its completion may never see the game released.

There are usually few opportunities for outsiders to influence corporate decisions. But a petition allows individuals to show their will as numbers. The organizer, Joe Smith, is not asking for BioWare to be restored, but for EA to consider ways to continue the franchise. This is the starting point of the campaign.

What This Campaign Means for the Game Industry

This incident is an example of a company with a popular series being asked how it will handle that franchise. Will it continue making the games in-house, or let another company do it? The two options proposed by the petition clearly illustrate that crossroads.

Also, when fan voices become visible as numbers, it becomes harder for companies to ignore them. However, a petition gathering signatures does not necessarily change a company's decision. Still, as a means to communicate the existence of people who love the franchise, a petition has some value. This campaign provides material for thinking about the relationship between games and companies.

What to Watch Next

What to watch next is how EA perceives this petition. Will there be an official response, or will nothing be announced? The presence or absence of a response itself will be a clue.

Furthermore, how the rights to Mass Effect will be handled is also of interest. Will talks proceed to license it to another company, or will EA continue to hold it? The reported information alone does not yet reveal the future. As fans, it is important to calmly assess what new information means when it emerges.

Questions

Why was BioWare closed?

The information confirmed so far does not provide detailed reasons for the closure. The content of EA's announcement has not been clarified.

Who started the petition?

A person named Joe Smith is the organizer. The campaign is called 'Save Mass Effect' and asks EA to either fund the next game or license it to another company.

How many signatures have been gathered?

Reported numbers vary: 50,000, over 180,000, and over 200,000. This is likely due to different reporting times.

Is this a petition to revive BioWare?

No, the petition does not demand BioWare's revival. Its sole purpose is to continue the development of Mass Effect.

Sources

• 'Save Mass Effect' petition hits over 180,000 signatures within days of BioWare's closure (store.steampowered.com)
• Almost 200,000 Mass Effect fans sign petition to save the series after BioWare's demise (store.steampowered.com)
• Save Mass Effect Petition Hits 50,000 Signatures, Just Days After BioWare Closure (ign.com)
• 'Save Mass Effect' petition hits over 180,000 signatures within days of BioWare's closure (pcgamer.com)
• Petition to save Mass Effect gets over 200,000 signatures after BioWare shut down (dexerto.com)