Mass Effect Gamers Horrified By Major New Update

Following the news that Electronic Arts has been acquired in a $50bn deal, Mass Effect fans are worried about what this means for the future of the BioWare RPG series.

Over the weekend, it was officially confirmed that Electronic Arts had been bought in the largest-ever private equity buyout courtesy of the likes of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, private equity firm Silver Lake Partners and a firm managed by Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

PIF, who also have shares in companies such as Nintendo, Take-Two Interactive, Capcom and Embracer, will now have full stakes in Electronic Arts with the latter company being responsible for some of the most popular video game franchises such as The Sims, Battlefield, and Mass Effect.

It is the latter which has fans over on r/masseffect worried as the BioWare franchise has been one of the most diverse in gaming, allowing players to take on the role of a female or male protagonist who is able to romance characters of the same sex since the first game was released way back in 2007.

However, with same-sex relationships remaining illegal in Saudi Arabia, it is no surprise that fans are worried that the future of Mass Effect will be less diverse and, as a result, many are already saying goodbye to one of their favourite RPG franchises.

“They are systematically going after our art intentionally,” one user shared.

“Mass Effect was the first game little me could be gay in. So sad.”

User Collestos agreed, adding, “Goodbye Mass Effect, it’s been good knowing you.

Ain’t no way they gonna allow some of my favorite characters due to their sexuality.”

Despite the next instalment in the Mass Effect saga, Mass Effect 5, being announced back in 2020, details have remained scarce on the highly anticipated release.

With the acquisition not set to go into effect until Q1 FY27, there is still some time for BioWare to push ahead on its development but fans are still not feeling hopeful.

“How much would a buy out from a restrictive government like that,change what is allowed to be shown?” User rpglaster asked.

“Are gay romances less likely? Are we going to see less representation? Are they going to edit the asari?”

All important questions and yet none that we will have answers to any time soon.

With some of Electronic Arts most beloved games such as Mass Effect and The Sims pushing the boundaries of diversity and LGBTQIA+ representation over the years, it will be heartbreaking to see this affected in the future.