Former Mass Effect 5 Writers React to BioWare Closure
Written with artificial intelligence.
Following the announcement of BioWare's closure by EA, former writers of the canceled Mass Effect 5 have expressed their disappointment on social media. They emphasize the potential of the game that will never be realized and reflect on their experiences during development.
BioWare Shuttered by EA
In a surprising announcement, Electronic Arts (EA) revealed the closure of BioWare, a studio renowned for its impact on the role-playing game genre over the past 30 years. This decision was disclosed in a brief statement included in a longer open letter dated October 21, 2026. The letter noted that a small team at BioWare was working on the early stages of Mass Effect 5, but EA decided to halt its development and close the Edmonton studio.
Writers Speak Out
In the wake of this news, several former writers involved with Mass Effect 5 took to social media to share their thoughts. Catherynne M. Valente, a successful author, responded to criticism of the gaming industry’s inability to produce a sequel to a beloved series, stating, "We had found the solution. We were working on a great game. I just wanted to say that." Valente clarified that she was not involved in previous titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard or Mass Effect: Andromeda.
Derek Künsken, another writer, shared his experiences working intermittently on Mass Effect 5 over the past five years. He expressed his frustration at not being able to discuss the project until now, lamenting the loss of what he described as an intense and rewarding collaboration with Valente on the game's story and characters.
Uncertain Future for Mass Effect
Fans are left to ponder what might have been, with hopes that EA might consider transferring BioWare's intellectual properties to another studio rather than letting them fade away. Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah indicated that while this prospect seems more likely, it remains uncertain, especially as EA navigates significant financial challenges following its recent $55 billion acquisition by a private equity group. Meanwhile, fans can still look forward to the development of the upcoming Prime Video series based on the Mass Effect universe.