Mass Effect 5 Has Both Shepard’s on Board, if That’s What BioWare Wants

Following the news that Electronic Arts had been purchased by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in a $55 billion deal earlier this year, the future became uncertain for some of our favourite franchises.

One of which is Mass Effect which began its life back in 2007 courtesy of BioWare.

Since then, there have been four major Mass Effect titles, including the original trilogy and Mass Effect: Andromeda.

However, with a fifth instalment in development, fans are worried that this acquisition could spell the end of the sci-fi franchise before it is finally released.

It has been almost a decade since Mass Effect: Andromeda was released and with the fourth instalment leaving a lot to be desired, many fans hope that Mass Effect 5 will manage to capture the greatness of the original trilogy.

However, that could depend on the inclusion of one important character: Commander Shepard.

Heading the original trilogy, and allowing players to choose between a male and female Shepard, the roles were played by Mark Meer and Jennifer Hale, a duo who would be incredibly pleased to return in the future.

BioWare

You Don't Have To Ask This Pair Twice

In a recent Fall Damage interview, Meer and Hale were asked about Commander Shepard’s current status, especially after they are considered dead following the events of Mass Effect 3.

“Email the powers-that-be who make these games and say, 'Give us more Shepard, please',” Hale said when asked about the return.

"Because we will be there, because we should not go," she continued.

"I would be there with bells on if they asked us to play Shepard again."

"I agree," Meer added, "but only under any circumstances."

Put simply, it is not impossible, especially as Shepard has already “died” on more than one occasion and subsequently been brought back. Such is the power of a sci-fi universe.

However, it would also make sense for BioWare to wish to begin this new saga with a new protagonist, leaving the original trilogy nothing but a very positive memory.

For now, all we can do is hope that Mass Effect 5 will be released at all but who knows? Maybe our Commander Shepards will make a triumphant return when it does.

For now, thanks to the acquisition and subsequent layoffs, its development is in rocky waters and so fans are hoping for a positive update in 2026.