{"id":2211884,"date":"2026-10-22T05:56:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T02:56:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2211884"},"modified":"2026-10-22T05:56:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T02:56:58","slug":"we-were-working-on-a-great-game-former-mass-effect-5-writers-speak-out-after-ea-shuts-down-bioware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2211884","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;We Were Working on a Great Game&#8217; \u2014 Former Mass Effect 5 Writers Speak Out After EA Shuts Down BioWare"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-cy=\"article-content\" class=\"jsx-462858067 article-content page-0\">\n<section data-cy=\"article-subtitle\" class=\"article jsx-3932497636 article-section jsx-242790214 news\" data-autopogo=\"true\">\n<section class=\"article-page\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Former writers for the now-canceled Mass Effect 5 are speaking out on social media following news that BioWare, a beloved studio with more than 30 years of games under its belt, was shuttered by EA earlier today.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/bioware-shutting-down-next-mass-effect-canceled?_cache=pass\">EA announced the news<\/a> somewhat unceremoniously in a single paragraph tucked within a lengthy open letter on October 21, 2026. \u201cAs we focus on these larger opportunities, we&#8217;ve had a small team at BioWare working on early-development for Mass Effect. We&#8217;ve made the decision not to move forward with this development, which means we\u2019re closing the studio and our Edmonton workspace. BioWare is a legendary studio that helped define the role-playing genre, and we do not take this decision lightly,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">It\u2019s safe to say that <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/the-internet-reacts-to-the-cancelation-of-mass-effect-5-and-the-death-of-bioware?_cache=pass\">gamers were gutted<\/a> by this announcement \u2014 as were the staff impacted by the closure, as we\u2019ve now seen several writers who worked on Mass Effect 5 begin to discuss the situation online. <\/p>\n<p><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">11 Mass Effect Characters and Moments the TV Show Needs to Be a Hit<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"It\u2019s official: A Mass Effect show is in the works at Amazon\u2019s Prime Video. Although it hasn\u2019t been said outright, the show will most likely be an adaptation of Commander Shepard\u2019s story from the original trilogy due to that saga\u2019s popularity with fans. A television series is the most appropriate format for adapting the award-winning game franchise into another medium, opposed to say a feature film, since Mass Effect is an extension of many of the space opera narrative conventions popularized by perennial sci-fi TV juggernaut Star Trek, and also because the many episodes\/seasons a TV show affords will allow the creators to use far more of the series\u2019 wide array of fan-favorite characters.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nThe characters are why Mass Effect fans love the series so much and what will help the franchise connect with a new audience. Now that we know we\u2019re getting a show, let\u2019s take a look at the Mass Effect trilogy\u2019s best characters and moments that the show should adapt. (And obviously we&apos;re not including main character Commander Shepard on this list as their inclusion goes without saying!)\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3027214138 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/RightChevron.272be43c.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-3524787213 jsx-4268464690 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Confronting Wrex on Virmire&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nThe genophage subplot is introduced to players through the eyes of Urdnot Wrex, a krogan battlemaster who joins Shepard\u2019s crew. Late in the first game, Wrex breaks with RPG companion convention and refuses to help Shepard with the mission on Virmire because it would destroy a cure for the genophage, the sterility plague that has infected his people. This leads to Shepard and Wrex drawing their weapons on each other. Players who convince Wrex to trust in their leadership manage to keep him alive for the sequels, giving their fire-forged bond with him much more dimension as the genophage plot plays out across the trilogy. Wrex is one of Mass Effect\u2019s best characters, so we hope to see him and this scene in the upcoming show.\n\n\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 12 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Talking Down Saren on the Citadel&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nSaren Arterius, the main antagonist of the first game, is a rogue Spectre (the same elite group Commander Shepard is a member of) and an agent of the Reapers, the techno-organic starships that are the ultimate villains of the series. Shepard chases Saren across the galaxy, leading to the final confrontation on the Citadel space station. Players could either fight him conventionally, or if they were crafty in conversation, peel away the layers of Reaper indoctrination and convince Saren that what he was doing would lead to the end of galactic civilization. Saren then commits suicide upon realizing what he\u2019s become. This finale gives Saren a real sense of tragedy, and makes him into the most compelling antagonist in the series.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Garrus\u2019 Friendship with Shepard&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nIf there\u2019s one Mass Effect character that no one hates, it\u2019s the turian C-Sec officer turned vigilante Garrus Vakarian. One of only two characters to be primary squadmates in all three games (we\u2019ll get to the other in a sec), Garrus is beloved for his loyalty to Shepard, his suave but vulnerable personality, and his efficiency with a sniper rifle. He\u2019s also one of the most popular romance options, but even if you don\u2019t pursue that subplot, Garrus still winds up being the player\u2019s most steadfast companion. Watching their bond grow as Shepard mentors Garrus in the ways of the galaxy, pushing him to be more paragon or renegade, only to receive the same kind of backing in turn makes this a can\u2019t-miss dynamic to explore in the show.\n\n\n\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Thane Saving His Son&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nDrell assassin Thane Krios is one of the least important squadmates in Mass Effect 2 in terms of how he affects the main plot, but getting involved with his loyalty quest leads to one of the most emotional moments of the game. Having lived the life of a paid killer from the time he was 12, Thane is heartbroken to learn that his son Kolyat, whom he hasn\u2019t seen in years, has followed the same path. Shepard can help Thane stop Kolyat from carrying out his first assassination, and save their relationship if they make the right choices. These smaller, more personal side quests are what makes Mass Effect such a rich narrative experience, so we hope they devote an episode or two to adapting Thane\u2019s story.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Tali\u2019s Trial&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nThe other squadmate who is part of the main crew in all three games is Tali\u2019Zorah nar Rayya, a young quarian who grows from a teenager on her first foray in galactic society into a critical player in her species\u2019 destiny. One of the most pivotal beats in that arc is her loyalty quest in Mass Effect 2, where Tali is put on trial for treason by the Migrant Fleet\u2019s Admiralty Board. Shepard can help Tali clear her name or let her get exiled to save her father\u2019s reputation, but either way, this quest shows Tali maturing into a more assertive character, one who finally grasps the weight her actions can have on the path the quarian race will take. It\u2019s another example of ME2 putting character and world-building ahead of plot, and it\u2019s one side story well worth adapting.\n\n\n\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">On Twitter\/X, New York Times bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente responded to a post wherein a user said, \u201cA game industry that cannot figure out how to make a sequel to the literal best game of all time is a game industry that is fundamentally broken,\u201d speaking on the BioWare closure.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\u201cWe did figure it out. We were working on a great game. Just saying,\u201d Valente <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/catvalente\/status\/2113054281192325450?s=20\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>retorted<\/u><\/a>. In response to a different commenter, she <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/catvalente\/status\/2113073327120248958?s=20\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>revealed<\/u><\/a> that she hadn\u2019t contributed to Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Mass Effect: Andromeda, or Anthem, clarifying that she is \u201cnot, in fact, the personification of BioWare.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Award-winning science fiction writer Derek K\u00fcnsken also published a <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/DerekKunsken\/status\/2113093927532150789?s=20\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>lengthy thread<\/u><\/a> discussing his time working on Mass Effect 5 \u2014 a game that, most likely, <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/mass-effect-5-was-supposed-to-redeem-the-series-after-andromeda-and-now-well-never-get-that?_cache=pass\">we\u2019ll never get to see.<\/a> K\u00fcnsken said he\u2019d been contributing to the title \u201con and off\u201d over the last five years, and said he\u2019s only now allowed to speak about it given that the company behind the project is now nonexistent.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2277167929 video jsx-2008855984 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9\">\n<div class=\"badge jsx-1349606671 jsx-3647116352\"><span class=\"ign-icon icon-play jsx-2750866048 jsx-1044454891\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-play\" aria-label=\"Play\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/Play.59e5540b.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\u201cOver the coming weeks, I&#8217;ll get more clarity on what I can say about what I did and saw and learned. I hope it&#8217;s more than nothing \u2014 what we were cooking was really cool,\u201d he said. He went on to reveal that he\u2019d worked with Valente on pitching \u201cstory, character, lore, and sci-fi wonder for this next chapter of the Mass Effect world,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/DerekKunsken\/status\/2113093933433602057?s=20\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">calling it<\/a> \u201cthe most energizing, in-the-zone collaboration I&#8217;ve ever had.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">For now, fans are left wondering what could have been, while equally hopeful that somehow, some way, EA might sell off BioWare\u2019s IPs to another studio rather than letting them languish. Former BioWare executive producer <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/former-bioware-executive-producer-mark-darrah-says-ea-might-be-more-likely-to-sell-ips-like-mass-effect-and-dragon-age-after-studios-closure?_cache=pass\">Mark Darrah is expressing some caution<\/a> around this particular idea, though he did theorize that it\u2019sa bit more likely now, given that EA is possibly looking to offset its massive debt incurred by its <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/ea-acquisition-by-saudi-arabias-pif-silver-lake-and-jared-kushners-affinity-partners-is-now-complete?_cache=pass\">eye-watering $55 billion acquisition<\/a> to a private investment group earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Oh well; at least we have the <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/tv\/mass-effect-the-series\">Prime Video series<\/a> to look forward to, which was revealed to <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/mass-effect-tv-series-prime-video-bioware-closure?_cache=pass\">still be in active development<\/a> in an exclusive statement to IGN.<\/p>\n<p><span data-cy=\"poll-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<section class=\"box-wrapper jsx-2673806401\">\n<div class=\"card jsx-2310533475 jsx-1355461925 box poll-content-block\" data-cy=\"poll-content-block\">\n<fieldset class=\"answers jsx-332304107\" role=\"radiogroup\" aria-labelledby=\"poll-question\">\n<legend class=\"stack jsx-2624643483 jsx-4192417768\"><span class=\"stack jsx-3547261442\"><\/p>\n<h2 data-cy=\"poll-question\" class=\"title2 jsx-1903782357 jsx-1377259516 headline\" id=\"poll-question\">Did you play through the entire Mass Effect Trilogy? If so, which was your favorite?<\/h2>\n<p><\/span><\/legend>\n<div data-cy=\"poll-answer\" class=\"jsx-45304670 poll-answer\"><label class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 toggle-label jsx-803093603 left-justified radio\" for=\"answerId14803\" id=\"answerId14803-label\"><span class=\"label\">Mass Effect<\/span><span data-cy=\"left-justified\" class=\"left-justified toggle-wrapper\"><span class=\"icon-toggle-indicator\"><\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-2988246289\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"poll-answer\" class=\"jsx-45304670 poll-answer highlight\"><label class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 toggle-label jsx-803093603 left-justified radio\" for=\"answerId14804\" id=\"answerId14804-label\"><span class=\"label\">Mass Effect 2<\/span><span data-cy=\"left-justified\" class=\"left-justified toggle-wrapper\"><span class=\"icon-toggle-indicator\"><\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1945348876\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"poll-answer\" class=\"jsx-45304670 poll-answer\"><label class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 toggle-label jsx-803093603 left-justified radio\" for=\"answerId14805\" id=\"answerId14805-label\"><span class=\"label\">Mass Effect 3<\/span><span data-cy=\"left-justified\" class=\"left-justified toggle-wrapper\"><span class=\"icon-toggle-indicator\"><\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-2988246289\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/fieldset>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-2624643483 jsx-4255654680 poll-controls\"><button class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3027214138 jsx-2267841559 contained disabled full-width large\" type=\"submit\" disabled data-cy=\"poll-answer-btn\">Answer<\/button><button class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button jsx-3027214138 jsx-1624977611 nav next-button small\" title=\"See Results\" aria-label=\"See Results\" data-cy=\"see-results-btn\"><span style=\"white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-align:right\">See Results<\/span><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-4173866675\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" aria-label=\"See Results\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/RightChevron.272be43c.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"accent-divider\" class=\"jsx-3449795453 divider jsx-2786329600\"><\/div>\n<section class=\"author-sign-off\" data-cy=\"author-sign-off\"><span class=\"stack jsx-59817748 jsx-1927875859\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-444076027 jsx-1730475047 profile-thumb jsx-2141281959 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-1-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Virginia Glaze Avatar\" class=\"progressive-image profile-thumb-img jsx-249361588 jsx-2338608387 expand\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/assets-prd.ignimgs.com\/avatars\/6a3973ecf71dd1001d20de39\/XD1zX2FT-1782150223173.jpg?crop=1%3A1&amp;width=56&amp;format=jpg&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=80\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-2509706801 jsx-3630940851\"><span class=\"stack jsx-2959124702 jsx-702910195 author-sign-off-header\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/person\/virginiaglaze\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 jsx-2809511915 bold underlined\">Virginia Glaze<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490 muted\">News Editor<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-2509706801 jsx-1220387432\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"author-sign-off-socials\" class=\"jsx-2877214176 author-sign-off-socials\"><button type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"listbox\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-label=\"View social links\" class=\"jsx-2877214176 socials-trigger\"><span title=\"X\" class=\"jsx-2877214176 social-icon-avatar\"><span class=\"ign-icon jsx-2877214176 jsx-2750866048 jsx-2788214270\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"jsx-2877214176\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/Twitter.d0b97af5.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div role=\"listbox\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2758920045 jsx-4268464690 jsx-3705869475 dropdown-menu jsx-3625955085\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.twitter.com\/TheeMissGlaze\" id=\"author-sign-off-social-twitterHandle\" class=\"menu-item jsx-3565735818 jsx-3927327418\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490 menu-item-text\" data-text=\"X\">X<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"ign-icon icon-twitter jsx-2750866048 jsx-3701596282\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"icon-twitter\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/Twitter.d0b97af5.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 sign-off-text\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><em>Virginia (she\/her) is IGN\u2019s News Editor. With ten years of experience reporting on games and entertainment, she\u2019s got a storied background in the fighting game community, influencer news, and viral online trends. Find her on Twitter at <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TheeMissGlaze\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer\"><em>@TheeMissGlaze<\/em><\/a><em>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-1475529924\"><\/span><\/div>\n<section class=\"article-page\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Former writers for the now-canceled Mass Effect 5 are speaking out on social media following news that BioWare, a beloved studio with more than 30 years of games under its belt, was shuttered by EA earlier today.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/bioware-shutting-down-next-mass-effect-canceled?_cache=pass\">EA announced the news<\/a> somewhat unceremoniously in a single paragraph tucked within a lengthy open letter on October 21, 2026. \u201cAs we focus on these larger opportunities, we&#8217;ve had a small team at BioWare working on early-development for Mass Effect. We&#8217;ve made the decision not to move forward with this development, which means we\u2019re closing the studio and our Edmonton workspace. BioWare is a legendary studio that helped define the role-playing genre, and we do not take this decision lightly,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">It\u2019s safe to say that <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/the-internet-reacts-to-the-cancelation-of-mass-effect-5-and-the-death-of-bioware?_cache=pass\">gamers were gutted<\/a> by this announcement \u2014 as were the staff impacted by the closure, as we\u2019ve now seen several writers who worked on Mass Effect 5 begin to discuss the situation online. <\/p>\n<p><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">11 Mass Effect Characters and Moments the TV Show Needs to Be a Hit<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"It\u2019s official: A Mass Effect show is in the works at Amazon\u2019s Prime Video. Although it hasn\u2019t been said outright, the show will most likely be an adaptation of Commander Shepard\u2019s story from the original trilogy due to that saga\u2019s popularity with fans. A television series is the most appropriate format for adapting the award-winning game franchise into another medium, opposed to say a feature film, since Mass Effect is an extension of many of the space opera narrative conventions popularized by perennial sci-fi TV juggernaut Star Trek, and also because the many episodes\/seasons a TV show affords will allow the creators to use far more of the series\u2019 wide array of fan-favorite characters.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nThe characters are why Mass Effect fans love the series so much and what will help the franchise connect with a new audience. Now that we know we\u2019re getting a show, let\u2019s take a look at the Mass Effect trilogy\u2019s best characters and moments that the show should adapt. (And obviously we&apos;re not including main character Commander Shepard on this list as their inclusion goes without saying!)\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3027214138 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/RightChevron.272be43c.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-3524787213 jsx-4268464690 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Confronting Wrex on Virmire&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nThe genophage subplot is introduced to players through the eyes of Urdnot Wrex, a krogan battlemaster who joins Shepard\u2019s crew. Late in the first game, Wrex breaks with RPG companion convention and refuses to help Shepard with the mission on Virmire because it would destroy a cure for the genophage, the sterility plague that has infected his people. This leads to Shepard and Wrex drawing their weapons on each other. Players who convince Wrex to trust in their leadership manage to keep him alive for the sequels, giving their fire-forged bond with him much more dimension as the genophage plot plays out across the trilogy. Wrex is one of Mass Effect\u2019s best characters, so we hope to see him and this scene in the upcoming show.\n\n\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 12 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Talking Down Saren on the Citadel&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nSaren Arterius, the main antagonist of the first game, is a rogue Spectre (the same elite group Commander Shepard is a member of) and an agent of the Reapers, the techno-organic starships that are the ultimate villains of the series. Shepard chases Saren across the galaxy, leading to the final confrontation on the Citadel space station. Players could either fight him conventionally, or if they were crafty in conversation, peel away the layers of Reaper indoctrination and convince Saren that what he was doing would lead to the end of galactic civilization. Saren then commits suicide upon realizing what he\u2019s become. This finale gives Saren a real sense of tragedy, and makes him into the most compelling antagonist in the series.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Garrus\u2019 Friendship with Shepard&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nIf there\u2019s one Mass Effect character that no one hates, it\u2019s the turian C-Sec officer turned vigilante Garrus Vakarian. One of only two characters to be primary squadmates in all three games (we\u2019ll get to the other in a sec), Garrus is beloved for his loyalty to Shepard, his suave but vulnerable personality, and his efficiency with a sniper rifle. He\u2019s also one of the most popular romance options, but even if you don\u2019t pursue that subplot, Garrus still winds up being the player\u2019s most steadfast companion. Watching their bond grow as Shepard mentors Garrus in the ways of the galaxy, pushing him to be more paragon or renegade, only to receive the same kind of backing in turn makes this a can\u2019t-miss dynamic to explore in the show.\n\n\n\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Thane Saving His Son&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nDrell assassin Thane Krios is one of the least important squadmates in Mass Effect 2 in terms of how he affects the main plot, but getting involved with his loyalty quest leads to one of the most emotional moments of the game. Having lived the life of a paid killer from the time he was 12, Thane is heartbroken to learn that his son Kolyat, whom he hasn\u2019t seen in years, has followed the same path. Shepard can help Thane stop Kolyat from carrying out his first assassination, and save their relationship if they make the right choices. These smaller, more personal side quests are what makes Mass Effect such a rich narrative experience, so we hope they devote an episode or two to adapting Thane\u2019s story.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;b&gt;Tali\u2019s Trial&lt;\/b&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;\n\nThe other squadmate who is part of the main crew in all three games is Tali\u2019Zorah nar Rayya, a young quarian who grows from a teenager on her first foray in galactic society into a critical player in her species\u2019 destiny. One of the most pivotal beats in that arc is her loyalty quest in Mass Effect 2, where Tali is put on trial for treason by the Migrant Fleet\u2019s Admiralty Board. Shepard can help Tali clear her name or let her get exiled to save her father\u2019s reputation, but either way, this quest shows Tali maturing into a more assertive character, one who finally grasps the weight her actions can have on the path the quarian race will take. It\u2019s another example of ME2 putting character and world-building ahead of plot, and it\u2019s one side story well worth adapting.\n\n\n\n\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2277167929 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">On Twitter\/X, New York Times bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente responded to a post wherein a user said, \u201cA game industry that cannot figure out how to make a sequel to the literal best game of all time is a game industry that is fundamentally broken,\u201d speaking on the BioWare closure.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\u201cWe did figure it out. We were working on a great game. Just saying,\u201d Valente <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/catvalente\/status\/2113054281192325450?s=20\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>retorted<\/u><\/a>. In response to a different commenter, she <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/catvalente\/status\/2113073327120248958?s=20\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>revealed<\/u><\/a> that she hadn\u2019t contributed to Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Mass Effect: Andromeda, or Anthem, clarifying that she is \u201cnot, in fact, the personification of BioWare.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Award-winning science fiction writer Derek K\u00fcnsken also published a <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/DerekKunsken\/status\/2113093927532150789?s=20\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>lengthy thread<\/u><\/a> discussing his time working on Mass Effect 5 \u2014 a game that, most likely, <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/mass-effect-5-was-supposed-to-redeem-the-series-after-andromeda-and-now-well-never-get-that?_cache=pass\">we\u2019ll never get to see.<\/a> K\u00fcnsken said he\u2019d been contributing to the title \u201con and off\u201d over the last five years, and said he\u2019s only now allowed to speak about it given that the company behind the project is now nonexistent.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2277167929 video jsx-2008855984 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9\">\n<div class=\"badge jsx-1349606671 jsx-3647116352\"><span class=\"ign-icon icon-play jsx-2750866048 jsx-1044454891\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-play\" aria-label=\"Play\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/Play.59e5540b.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\u201cOver the coming weeks, I&#8217;ll get more clarity on what I can say about what I did and saw and learned. I hope it&#8217;s more than nothing \u2014 what we were cooking was really cool,\u201d he said. He went on to reveal that he\u2019d worked with Valente on pitching \u201cstory, character, lore, and sci-fi wonder for this next chapter of the Mass Effect world,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/DerekKunsken\/status\/2113093933433602057?s=20\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">calling it<\/a> \u201cthe most energizing, in-the-zone collaboration I&#8217;ve ever had.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">For now, fans are left wondering what could have been, while equally hopeful that somehow, some way, EA might sell off BioWare\u2019s IPs to another studio rather than letting them languish. Former BioWare executive producer <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/former-bioware-executive-producer-mark-darrah-says-ea-might-be-more-likely-to-sell-ips-like-mass-effect-and-dragon-age-after-studios-closure?_cache=pass\">Mark Darrah is expressing some caution<\/a> around this particular idea, though he did theorize that it\u2019sa bit more likely now, given that EA is possibly looking to offset its massive debt incurred by its <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/ea-acquisition-by-saudi-arabias-pif-silver-lake-and-jared-kushners-affinity-partners-is-now-complete?_cache=pass\">eye-watering $55 billion acquisition<\/a> to a private investment group earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Oh well; at least we have the <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/tv\/mass-effect-the-series\">Prime Video series<\/a> to look forward to, which was revealed to <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/mass-effect-tv-series-prime-video-bioware-closure?_cache=pass\">still be in active development<\/a> in an exclusive statement to IGN.<\/p>\n<p><span data-cy=\"poll-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<section class=\"box-wrapper jsx-2673806401\">\n<div class=\"card jsx-2310533475 jsx-1355461925 box poll-content-block\" data-cy=\"poll-content-block\">\n<fieldset class=\"answers jsx-332304107\" role=\"radiogroup\" aria-labelledby=\"poll-question\">\n<legend class=\"stack jsx-2624643483 jsx-4192417768\"><span class=\"stack jsx-3547261442\"><\/p>\n<h2 data-cy=\"poll-question\" class=\"title2 jsx-1903782357 jsx-1377259516 headline\" id=\"poll-question\">Did you play through the entire Mass Effect Trilogy? If so, which was your favorite?<\/h2>\n<p><\/span><\/legend>\n<div data-cy=\"poll-answer\" class=\"jsx-45304670 poll-answer\"><label class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 toggle-label jsx-803093603 left-justified radio\" for=\"answerId14803\" id=\"answerId14803-label\"><span class=\"label\">Mass Effect<\/span><span data-cy=\"left-justified\" class=\"left-justified toggle-wrapper\"><span class=\"icon-toggle-indicator\"><\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-2988246289\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"poll-answer\" class=\"jsx-45304670 poll-answer highlight\"><label class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 toggle-label jsx-803093603 left-justified radio\" for=\"answerId14804\" id=\"answerId14804-label\"><span class=\"label\">Mass Effect 2<\/span><span data-cy=\"left-justified\" class=\"left-justified toggle-wrapper\"><span class=\"icon-toggle-indicator\"><\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1945348876\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"poll-answer\" class=\"jsx-45304670 poll-answer\"><label class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 toggle-label jsx-803093603 left-justified radio\" for=\"answerId14805\" id=\"answerId14805-label\"><span class=\"label\">Mass Effect 3<\/span><span data-cy=\"left-justified\" class=\"left-justified toggle-wrapper\"><span class=\"icon-toggle-indicator\"><\/span><\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-2988246289\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/fieldset>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-2624643483 jsx-4255654680 poll-controls\"><button class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3027214138 jsx-2267841559 contained disabled full-width large\" type=\"submit\" disabled data-cy=\"poll-answer-btn\">Answer<\/button><button class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button jsx-3027214138 jsx-1624977611 nav next-button small\" title=\"See Results\" aria-label=\"See Results\" data-cy=\"see-results-btn\"><span style=\"white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-align:right\">See Results<\/span><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-4173866675\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" aria-label=\"See Results\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/RightChevron.272be43c.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"accent-divider\" class=\"jsx-3449795453 divider jsx-2786329600\"><\/div>\n<section class=\"author-sign-off\" data-cy=\"author-sign-off\"><span class=\"stack jsx-59817748 jsx-1927875859\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-444076027 jsx-1730475047 profile-thumb jsx-2141281959 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-1-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Virginia Glaze Avatar\" class=\"progressive-image profile-thumb-img jsx-249361588 jsx-2338608387 expand\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/assets-prd.ignimgs.com\/avatars\/6a3973ecf71dd1001d20de39\/XD1zX2FT-1782150223173.jpg?crop=1%3A1&amp;width=56&amp;format=jpg&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=80\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-2509706801 jsx-3630940851\"><span class=\"stack jsx-2959124702 jsx-702910195 author-sign-off-header\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/person\/virginiaglaze\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 jsx-2809511915 bold underlined\">Virginia Glaze<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490 muted\">News Editor<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-2509706801 jsx-1220387432\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"author-sign-off-socials\" class=\"jsx-2877214176 author-sign-off-socials\"><button type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"listbox\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-label=\"View social links\" class=\"jsx-2877214176 socials-trigger\"><span title=\"X\" class=\"jsx-2877214176 social-icon-avatar\"><span class=\"ign-icon jsx-2877214176 jsx-2750866048 jsx-2788214270\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"jsx-2877214176\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/Twitter.d0b97af5.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div role=\"listbox\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2758920045 jsx-4268464690 jsx-3705869475 dropdown-menu jsx-3625955085\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.twitter.com\/TheeMissGlaze\" id=\"author-sign-off-social-twitterHandle\" class=\"menu-item jsx-3565735818 jsx-3927327418\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490 menu-item-text\" data-text=\"X\">X<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"ign-icon icon-twitter jsx-2750866048 jsx-3701596282\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"icon-twitter\" style=\"mask:url(https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/Twitter.d0b97af5.svg?cors=1) no-repeat center center \/ contain;background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"interface jsx-1132626198 sign-off-text\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><em>Virginia (she\/her) is IGN\u2019s News Editor. With ten years of experience reporting on games and entertainment, she\u2019s got a storied background in the fighting game community, influencer news, and viral online trends. Find her on Twitter at <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TheeMissGlaze\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer\"><em>@TheeMissGlaze<\/em><\/a><em>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/section>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Former writers for the now-canceled Mass Effect 5 are speaking out on social media following news that BioWare, a beloved studio with more than 30 years of games under its belt, was shuttered by EA earlier today. EA announced the news somewhat unceremoniously in a single paragraph tucked within a lengthy open letter on October [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,243],"class_list":["post-2211884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-ign-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2211884","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2211884"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2211884\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2211884"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2211884"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2211884"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}