BioWare has stated repeatedly over the year that Mass Effect was not dead, despite rumors. Now it looks like they might be gearing up for a reveal next year, because a new Mass Effect game is reportedly in development.
We saw our first look at the next Dragon Age game during the Game Awards last year and since the controversial launch of Mass Effect Andromeda and subsequently Anthem, the studio that gave us Shepard has been very vocal about there still being a future for the space RPG series. According to a recent report by Kotaku, a new Mass Effect adventure is in the works with none other than Mike Gamble at the helm.
Gamble, for those that may not know, has a lengthy history with BioWare. The producer has lent his talents to Mass Effect 2 (arguably the best), Mass Effect 3, and Andromeda. From Andromeda, he then moved over to Anthem. The latter titles were considered a failure in terms of reception, something that prompted the Mass Effect franchise to go on “hiatus.” With the cancelled Andromeda DLC plans, many spacefarers were despondent when it came to future speculation, but according to recent reports – that “hiatus” is over.
As a massive fan of Mass Effect (31 playthroughs of the trilogy, 7 of Andromeda), I’m hopeful that this report is accurate and not a simple statement taken out of context. Whether it will be a continuation of Andromeda or something new all together remains to be seen, though BioWare has been very clear since Mass Effect 3 that Shepard’s story is done. Maybe we’ll see a prequel of sorts, or a time long-after the Reaper war.
Whatever BioWare chooses to do, we hope that they remember what drew fans into the Mass Effect franchise to begin with and recapture that magic. For as much as the internet loves to put nail in coffins, Bungie and Hello Games have both proven that redemption isn’t out of reach and we can’t wait to see if BioWare can recapture what many feels is lost.
What do you hope to see out of a new Mass Effect game? Nerd out with me over on Twitter @DirtyEffinHippy to give me your ideal game picks!
