With the next Mass Effect still ways off, it seemed likely that BioWare had spoiled major plot detail via its listing for the N7 Day Lithograph. Based on last year’s poster for N7 Day, the product’s description indicated that Commander Shepard would be returning. Given the ending of Mass Effect 3 and BioWare hinting at the “Destroy” ending being canon, it seemed to make sense.
However, this was a mistake and not in the “accidental leak” sense. Project director Michael Gamble tweeted that, “The original thing was written by the people who run the store and aren’t familiar with the game.” Of course, he didn’t outright clarify whether Shepard would be appearing or not so take that as you will.
Other interesting details revealed by the lithograph’s description include a four-person team led by “a Krogan” so it may or may not be an established character. At this point, whether Liara T’Soni – who seemingly appeared in the first teaser trailer – appears or not is up in the air. At least it’s confirmed to be developed on Unreal Engine 5. We’ll have to wait for more official details in the meantime.