Mass Effect fans are pushing EA to give the series another chance following BioWare’s closure and the cancellation of its next game. The #SaveMassEffect petition has passed 100,000 signatures, with its Change.org page displaying 166,568 verified signatures when checked on October 25, 2026.
The campaign gives frustrated players a shared goal. It aims to convince EA to keep investing in Mass Effect or let another studio take the franchise forward.
In brief:
- The #SaveMassEffect petition launched on October 21 and has surpassed 166,000 verified signatures.
- Fans want EA to properly support continued development or consider licensing the IP to another studio.
- Reported details about the canceled game describe a galactic Cold War setting, while footage features Liara.
- Campaign supporters are pushing toward 200,000 signatures, although a revival remains uncertain.
Save Mass Effect Petition Surges Past 100,000 Signatures
Created by Joe Smith on October 21, the #SaveMassEffect petition asks EA to commit the funding, staffing, and development time needed to continue the franchise. It also proposes licensing Mass Effect to another developer as an alternative.
The campaign crossed 100,000 signatures in less than 72 hours, according to a campaign message reproduced by EGW News. That message identified 200,000 signatures as the next target.
The petition focuses on players’ attachment to the Normandy crew, the series’ characters, and its choice-driven storytelling. For longtime fans, the appeal is about keeping a universe they’ve spent years exploring alive.
BioWare’s Closure Ended the Next Mass Effect Game
EA’s decision to shut down BioWare also ended development of the next Mass Effect entry. Associated Press reported that the closure came amid wider layoffs affecting around 400 employees, including approximately 50 at BioWare.
The news has also prompted claims that developers tried to find another way forward. As covered in GameRiv’s report on the alleged BioWare buyout attempt, Baun claimed that staff attempted to purchase the studio and Mass Effect IP before the shutdown.
That account remains unconfirmed. Publicly available details don’t establish who financed the proposal, whether a formal offer reached EA, or how far any discussions progressed.
Reported Mass Effect Universe Details Fuel Fan Interest
Material circulating after the cancellation has given fans more reasons to want the project rescued.
Reported story details describe a game called Mass Effect Universe, set around 600 years after Mass Effect 3. Its proposed setting involved a galactic Cold War between major factions, with espionage and political tension shaping the conflict. These remain reported development details rather than a published feature list from EA.
Separately, new reports revealed that a trailer shared by an alleged former developer featured Liara T’Soni and was authenticated by Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier. The footage reportedly used pre-production assets, so it shouldn’t be treated as evidence that the game was close to release.
Fans Push Toward 200,000 Signatures
Passing 100,000 signatures gives the campaign visibility, but restarting development would still require funding, a team, and EA’s agreement. Licensing the franchise would also depend on finding a studio and reaching a workable deal.
The petition gives supporters a direct way to register their interest. Anyone joining can sign and share the campaign on Change.org, where its total continues to change as more players add their names.
