Although Mass Effect fans may have an uphill battle on their hands to save the franchise, they are far from alone. Both Commander Shepard voice actors recently went live on Instagram to share their support, not just for disappointed fans, but for the BioWare employees who lost their jobs when the studio was shut down. 

Just after fans received news of the BioWare shutdown, a leaked trailer showcased what might have been. It introduced a new main character, while also highlighting the return of Dr. Liara T’Soni, who has been featured in Mass Effect games since the beginning of the franchise.

Jennifer Hale, the voice actress behind the female iteration of Commander Shephard, responded to an X post featuring the trailer. She shared support for both the fans and the developers, writing that she still held out hope that magic would happen, as “this community and you Incredible devs deserve that and more.” Replies to her post included the #SaveMassEffect hashtag, which spearheads the movement fans have brought to life on social media, including X, Reddit, and Instagram. 

‘Mass Effect’ Fans Get Support From Both Commander Shepards Amid Franchise Uncertainty

Jennifer then took to Instagram Live, where she was joined by Mark Meer, who voiced the male iteration of Commander Shepard. Meer also shared his support and sympathy for BioWare employees and Mass Effect fans alike, saying the shutdown was a “massive loss for Edmonton”, where the studio was based, and for the video game industry itself. “And, of course,” he added, “I feel very bad for the fans.”

While it remains to be seen just what will happen to the Mass Effect franchise, it’s certainly very clear how much these games and the characters matter to people. One commenter on Jennifer’s Instagram Live shared that Mass Effect 2 was their favorite game of all time, and many others shared how much the games had an impact on their lives. Another comment shared that the Mass Effect games were something they and their husband bonded over. 

At the very least, hopefully fans will take comfort in knowing that both Commander Shepards stand behind them. The #SaveMassEffect hashtag has reached over 100,000 users on X, and the attendant Change.org petition currently has 252,720 signatures. And fan passion has made it to Times Square, with a billboard featuring the hashtag went up on October 26 with the aim of remaining up all day. 

The Mass Effect franchise will certainly live on in the hearts of fans, and the games are available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox for anyone who is still looking for an adventure among the stars. 

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BioWare is officially closing down after more than three decades of video game development on franchises like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and more.

BioWare Confirms That Development is Ending on The Next Mass Effect

Although BioWare and Electronic Arts had teased a new Mass Effect project back at the 2020 Game Awards, it sounds like the project is not going to have a chance to make it across the finish line.

A surprising post from BioWare arrived this afternoon and confirmed that after 30 years of work, the studio is closing and development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.

“For more than 30 years, BioWare has been more than a studio. It has been a home for storytellers, developers, and the players who brought our worlds to life.Baldur’s Gate. Neverwinter Nights. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Dragon Age. Mass Effect. Anthem.

Now, after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.

There is nothing easy about writing those words. Our focus right now is on our incredibly talented team who put their hearts into these games, and supporting one another through this transition.

What generations of BioWare built together is something to celebrate and remember. These games became so much more because you played them, debated your choices, fell in love with the characters, and made these worlds your own.

From all of us at BioWare, thank you for being the most meaningful part of our story.”

Bloomberg reported that Electronic Arts is laying off roughly 400 employees, closing down BioWare, and making the decision to cancel the next Mass Effect game.

Kotaku has also reported that, “a letter to EA staff also included the news that it would cancel a project related to The Sims franchise code-named Project Lotus, to instead focus on another project code-named Evergreen.”

At this point, it’s unclear what the future holds for the multiple powerful IP that existed under the BioWare umbrella. Hopefully this isn’t the end of Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and the others iconic games that the team developed over the last three decades.

Be sure to check back soon for more news and updates as additional details are revealed.

This is a developing story…

The post BioWare Is Shutting Down After 30 Years, and the Next ‘Mass Effect’ Is Canceled appeared first on VICE.