Report: Mass Effect: Universe Devs Scrubbed Diversity From Demos To Avoid Negative Feedback From EA

Key Points:

• Mass Effect: Universe, a game in development by BioWare, was canceled despite progress, with plans for a late 2028 release and a switch to Unreal Engine to improve development after Frostbite Engine challenges.
• The game was set 600 years in the future, featuring a new protagonist and original trilogy character Liara T’Soni in a significant role, incorporating narrative choices from across the franchise.
• Following Electronic Arts’ acquisition by new investors including the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, EA management was unconvinced by project proposals, contributing to the cancellation.
• Developers reportedly removed a flag resembling a Pride flag from a demo shown to EA executives to avoid potential friction with conservative management, a decision described as anticipating negative feedback rather than hiding inclusivity.
• BioWare sources indicated the team felt Mass Effect was no longer a priority for EA, and some development deadlines had been missed despite overall positive progress.