BioWare, the developer behind the beloved Mass Effect science-fiction series, used this year’s N7 Day on November 7 to reassure fans that the next chapter in the franchise is indeed in development. In a blog post, Executive Producer Mike Gamble confirmed the news, addressing months of quiet from the studio and putting to rest some of the recent rumours that had started to swirl around the project’s status.
Key Takeaways
- BioWare officially confirmed the next Mass Effect game is in development during the N7 Day 2025 event.
- The update came from Executive Producer Mike Gamble through an official studio blog post.
- Gamble stated the team is “heads-down and focused exclusively on Mass Effect,” setting the record straight against recent rumours.
- The studio mentioned that “lots of romances” are being figured out, continuing one of the series’ trademark features.
- BioWare also confirmed that the upcoming Mass Effect TV series with Amazon will tell a new story set after the original trilogy.
N7 Day has become something of a tradition among fans and the studio alike. Each year on November 7, BioWare shares new artwork, small teases, or reflections on the franchise’s legacy. This time, the message was simple but significant: “the next Mass Effect game is in development, and EA and BioWare remain committed to telling more stories in this universe.”
That reassurance was something many in the fan community had been hoping for. The last game in the series, Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017), received a mixed response from critics and players alike. Then came Anthem in 2019, BioWare’s ambitious but ultimately disappointing live-service project. Both experiences left fans uncertain about the studio’s direction and its commitment to narrative-driven single-player experiences, the kind that originally made BioWare’s name.
Gamble’s update didn’t include a release date or even a title yet, which perhaps isn’t surprising given that the project still appears to be in early stages. He did note, however, that the team has “a lot of universes to cover, lots of features to build, and lots of romances to figure out.” That last bit—about romances, may seem small, but for long-time players, it’s a comforting sign that the series’ hallmark focus on relationships and personal connections remains intact.
Interestingly, reports and job listings over the past year have pointed to the new Mass Effect being developed on Unreal Engine 5. That’s a notable change, since BioWare and Electronic Arts had previously relied on EA’s in-house Frostbite engine, which was designed primarily for first-person shooters like Battlefield. Developers have openly discussed the difficulties Frostbite posed for building story-rich RPGs, particularly during the development of Andromeda and Anthem. So, this shift to Unreal Engine 5 might signal a return to the kind of tools that better fit BioWare’s creative style.
The new project also brings together some familiar faces. Several veterans from the original trilogy are said to be involved, and in 2022, BioWare announced that Mary DeMarle, best known for her writing on Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, had joined as the Senior Narrative Director. It’s an encouraging sign for those hoping to see the franchise return to the rich storytelling that defined its early years.
Although details on the game remain scarce, Gamble also offered a small update on the Mass Effect TV series currently in the works with Amazon. According to him, the writers’ room is now active, and the show will tell a “brand-new story” set after the events of the original trilogy. It won’t revisit Commander Shepard’s journey but instead explore what comes next in that vast and unpredictable galaxy.
For fans, that’s probably enough for now, a quiet but meaningful reminder that BioWare hasn’t forgotten what made Mass Effect special in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the next Mass Effect game officially confirmed?
A. Yes. On November 7, 2025 (N7 Day), BioWare Executive Producer Mike Gamble officially confirmed that the next Mass Effect game is in development.
Q2: Who is developing the new Mass Effect game?
A. BioWare, the original creator of the series, is developing the new game. The team includes veterans from the original trilogy and newer talent like Senior Narrative Director Mary DeMarle.
Q3: When is the new Mass Effect game coming out?
A. BioWare has not announced a release date or even a release year. The game is still in development, and the studio said they will show more “when we’re ready.”
Q4: Will Commander Shepard be in the new Mass Effect?
A. This is unknown. Teasers from previous years have shown Liara T’Soni, a companion of Shepard, and a piece of N7 armor, but BioWare has not confirmed if the original protagonist will return.
Q5: What game engine will the new Mass Effect use?
A. While not in this specific N7 Day blog post, previous job listings and reports strongly indicate the game is being built using Unreal Engine 5, moving away from EA’s Frostbite engine.
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