Mass Effect fans received crushing news yesterday when BioWare announced it was being shut down, meaning the anticipated fifth installment in the franchise will never be released. As if this isn’t disappointing enough, a leaked trailer appeared on Reddit which showcased how gorgeous the game already was, introduced a new protagonist, and showed fans a glimpse of a beloved returning character. 

‘Mass Effect’ fans can catch a glimpse of what might have been 

In a Reddit post on the Mass Effect sub-reddit, a commenter posted the video, which informs viewers that the following footage uses “pre-production assets” and comes from a small team. It showcases what appears to be a new protagonist, an ex-military man who walks into a crowded space bar and is immediately approached by an unnamed Asari. Next come flashbacks of the new protagonist in combat, as he states that nothing has changed – he kept putting out fires, one after the other, and that was the problem. 

His new line of work, he reveals, is stopping fires before they start, which includes “making choices no one else is willing to make” and going where others might not be willing to go. The two characters appear to have chemistry, as the Asari leans forward to whisper in his ear, warning him that he should be careful, before revealing that she starts the fires. “We know,” states a familiar voice, as Dr. Liara T’Soni lowers her hood, revealing her face to the camera. “That’s why we’re here.”

The scene then devolves into an intergalactic bar fight before the trailer shifts to the title card, which reveals the game would have been officially called Mass Effect: Universe. The trailer also includes clips of the new protagonist in more fight scenes, along with an interaction that appears to be a little more romantic in nature. All in all, the in-engine footage looked stunning, with characters – both human and alien – that appeared realistic and environments that were equally pleasing on the eye. 

Leaked ‘Mass Effect 5’ Trailer Reveals the Game Fans Will Never Get to Play

The Mass Effect franchise first began in 2007, with the first three installments centering around main character Commander Shephard, whose appearance, class, and first name could be customized by the player. The fourth game, Mass Effect: Andromeda, was released in 2017, introduced new characters, including protagonist Scott – or Sara, depending on player choice – Ryder, and a storyline separate from the initial trilogy. Rumors indicated that Shephard might have returned in this fifth game, but the leaked trailer indicates this was not the case. 

With BioWare closing and the new game being canceled, a wait that spanned nearly ten years has come to nothing. Fans can still return to the world of Mass Effect with older titles, with the original trilogy and Andromeda available on PC, Xbox, and Playstation. Hopefully there is some comfort in meeting Shephard or Ryder again. 

The post ‘Mass Effect 5’ Trailer Reportedly Leaks Just One Day After BioWare Announces Closure appeared first on VICE.

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If you need any more proof that private equity ruins everything it touches, look no further than the curious case of EA. Electronic Arts has long had a reputation for being the greediest game publisher around, going to great pains to monetize its games to the fullest extent possible and touting a list of killed studios Ted Bundy would be jealous of. — Read the rest

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BioWare is officially closing down after more than three decades of video game development on franchises like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and more.

BioWare Confirms That Development is Ending on The Next Mass Effect

Although BioWare and Electronic Arts had teased a new Mass Effect project back at the 2020 Game Awards, it sounds like the project is not going to have a chance to make it across the finish line.

A surprising post from BioWare arrived this afternoon and confirmed that after 30 years of work, the studio is closing and development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.

“For more than 30 years, BioWare has been more than a studio. It has been a home for storytellers, developers, and the players who brought our worlds to life.Baldur’s Gate. Neverwinter Nights. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Dragon Age. Mass Effect. Anthem.

Now, after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.

There is nothing easy about writing those words. Our focus right now is on our incredibly talented team who put their hearts into these games, and supporting one another through this transition.

What generations of BioWare built together is something to celebrate and remember. These games became so much more because you played them, debated your choices, fell in love with the characters, and made these worlds your own.

From all of us at BioWare, thank you for being the most meaningful part of our story.”

Bloomberg reported that Electronic Arts is laying off roughly 400 employees, closing down BioWare, and making the decision to cancel the next Mass Effect game.

Kotaku has also reported that, “a letter to EA staff also included the news that it would cancel a project related to The Sims franchise code-named Project Lotus, to instead focus on another project code-named Evergreen.”

At this point, it’s unclear what the future holds for the multiple powerful IP that existed under the BioWare umbrella. Hopefully this isn’t the end of Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and the others iconic games that the team developed over the last three decades.

Be sure to check back soon for more news and updates as additional details are revealed.

This is a developing story…

The post BioWare Is Shutting Down After 30 Years, and the Next ‘Mass Effect’ Is Canceled appeared first on VICE.