For days now, BioWare has received an outpouring of support after Electronic Arts closed it and canceled the next Mass Effect. While many speculated about the reason, from the developer not being the best fit to the recent acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s PIF and partners, the answer is reportedly Star Wars.
More specifically, the rumored Star Wars Battlefront 3, which will enter development at DICE and Respawn Entertainment. Sources speaking to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier claim that a deal with Lucasfilm to produce the sequel emerged soon after EA went private. Because of its $18 billion debt, executives reportedly chose to focus on developing the next Battlefront rather than continuing with BioWare and Mass Effect.
Why? Because the former is apparently a “less risky, more predictable” bet, even if it could cost “hundreds of millions of dollars.” Other factors include BioWare’s spotty record since 2017 and Laura Miele, who seemingly favored the developer and Mass Effect, reportedly being “sidelined” while David Tinson and Cam Weber of EA Sports fame were promoted.
Whichever way you slice it, it all comes back to the publisher not knowing what to do with BioWare. Which is a shame because, based on alleged details, including how it took cues from Larian Studios and CD Projekt RED with player agency, the next Mass Effect could have been something special.
