Yesterday saw the devastating news that BioWare would be shutting down and, as a result, the development of Mass Effect 5 would be canceled with immediate effect. As part of a large restructuring effort by Electronic Arts, around 400 jobs would be cut, with a reported 50 of those affected being from BioWare.
Over on Twitter/X, the official BioWare account shared a statement with the terrible news, with it reading: "Now, after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending."
The Mass Effect franchise has had an incredible impact on the gaming industry since the first game was launched back in 2007. Consisting of four mainline entries, the sci-fi saga revolutionized the genre, with it still boasting a large and dedicated fanbase to this day. Despite a lack of updates since it was first announced back in 2020, Mass Effect 5 was still eagerly anticipated, making the news all the more heartbreaking for fans.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. Although Mass Effect 5 will never see the light of day, the Mass Effect universe is still very much alive, and in 2027, it is set to return in style.
Courtesy of Modiphius Entertainment, the Mass Effect Board Game will now welcome a brand-new expansion, adding six new beloved squad mates to the game. As the official press release reads:
To celebrate this year’s N7 Day, publisher of tabletop roleplaying games, wargames and board games, Modiphius Entertainment has today announced a range of new sets of highly detailed 32mm resin miniatures for Mass Effect The Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz.
However, it was earlier this year that the brand-new miniature sets were released, including:
As such, you will be able to break out these figures when the Mass Effect the Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz expansion launches in early 2027. As the brand-new expansion for the Mass Effect Board Game, it will include six new squad mates, new ways to play, new loyalty groups, enemy groups, and more.
Designed for 1-4 players, the cooperative, story-driven game designed by Eric M. Lang and Calvin Wong Tze Loon aims to bring the world of Mass Effect onto a physical board by offering a branching, narrative campaign. With multiple playthroughs encouraged, you will get to embark on a new journey each time you play, with up to 14 missions to partake in. Not only that, but with Paragon/Renegade options available, your card-driven actions will steer the game forward, with the story set to evolve with your actions.
Gather Shepard’s squad from a selection of teammates from the Mass Effect trilogy: Liara, Tali, Wrex, and Garrus. Customize and upgrade your squad’s abilities, equipment, and powers as they gain experience. Enhance them further by unlocking unique powers with optional loyalty missions.
So, if the news of the recent Mass Effect 5 cancellation has affected you, you can at least remain hopeful that the universe will continue to live on with exciting new releases still on the docket.
