The search for BioWare’s next Mass Effect game is still very much alive, as fans (myself included) grow increasingly impatient about whether the studio plans to continue one of gaming’s most beloved science-fiction sagas.
It’s been four years since BioWare uploaded a teaser for the next Mass Effect, and since then, we’ve had complete radio silence.
What now?
There’s still no official update from BioWare. However, a year ago, Project Director Michael Gamble confirmed that the next Mass Effect will be developed by veterans of the original trilogy.
Here’s everything we know about who’s returning to take the reins for Mass Effect 5:
- Mike Gamble will serve as Executive Producer and Project Director. Having been heavily involved in Mass Effect 2 and 3 as an Associate Producer, this is a promising development.
- Derek Watts returns as Art Director, having been a key creative force throughout the original trilogy.
- Parrish Ley takes on the role of Creative Director. He was the Lead Cinematic Animator for Mass Effect 2 and 3.
- Preston Watamaniuk will be the Game Director. He previously served as a Lead Designer for the original trilogy.
On May 7, Michael Gamble announced new job openings at EA, including a position for a Senior Technical Artist to help build the next Mass Effect title.
Release Date?
The latest intel from BioWare confirms that the next Mass Effect is still in pre-production. According to a Giant Bomb morning show with Jeff Grubb and Tamoor Hussain, we shouldn’t expect a release until 2029 or 2030. Hussain put it bluntly: “It is so far in another galaxy right now.”
Grubb added that the purpose of the N7 teaser was simply to reassure fans that the game is still happening.
click to enlargeThis is all encouraging, but everything we know so far dates back years. Now that Dragon Age: The Veilguard has been released, there’s a strong chance the studio’s full focus will shift to Mass Effect 5.
What Do We Want To See?
It’s tough to speculate about a game that still lacks substantial details. Mass Effect 5 is years away, but there’s always room for healthy speculation. I covered some of these ideas in a previous piece, where I highlighted the franchise’s potential future. There’s a good chance we’ll see new and returning characters, along with a narrative that further explores the Reapers' origins.
Of course, all of this remains firmly in wishlist territory. For now, all we can do is wait. Fortunately, there are plenty of great RPGs out there to keep us busy, like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which even received praise from BioWare’s Michael Gamble in a recent tweet.
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