Petition to Save Mass Effect Surges Past 187,000 Signatures Amid BioWare Job Cuts
- A petition to continue the Mass Effect franchise has exceeded 187,000 signatures.
- Recent job cuts at BioWare followed a $55 billion acquisition by Saudi Arabia.
- Allegations about a canceled Mass Effect game, titled Mass Effect Universe, have surfaced.
A petition aimed at preserving BioWare’s iconic sci-fi RPG, Mass Effect, has garnered over 187,000 signatures. The initiative reflects growing concerns following job cuts at BioWare, which were announced earlier this week. These layoffs were anticipated amid a $55 billion leveraged buyout of the company by Saudi Arabia, and have met with industry-wide condemnation and expressions of sympathy.
Joe Smith, the individual behind the petition, is not directly urging Electronic Arts (EA) to reverse its acquisition strategy for BioWare. Instead, the petition emphasizes the need for “decisive action by committing to the continued development of Mass Effect.”
The Change.org page further states that this commitment necessitates “proper funding, adequate staffing, and time allocation to maintain and advance the high standards the franchise is known for.” It also proposes that EA consider licensing the Mass Effect intellectual property to another studio that shares the enthusiasm and vision necessary to sustain its legacy.
In related news, a content creator with ties to a BioWare community council yesterday shared claims regarding a canceled project, Mass Effect Universe. The YouTuber asserted they had access to developmental insights through their role and provided feedback during the process.
This revelation follows the confirmation of an internal trailer for Mass Effect Universe, which BioWare acknowledged as legitimate after the announcement of the game’s cancellation. Furthermore, the recent job reductions at EA have also affected teams at Respawn, Maxis, Full Circle, EA Motive, and other studios under the EA umbrella.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
