I don’t know if they will keep funding that one” – Former EA manager doesn’t believe the next Mass Effect will survive Saudi

[A somber reflection on the uncertain future of BioWare’s flagship franchise.]

The recent acquisition of Electronic Arts by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has sent shockwaves throughout the gaming industry. While the financial implications are staggering, the potential impact on beloved franchises like Mass Effect is causing significant concern. Inside and outside EA, there’s a palpable sense that things are about to change drastically.

The Uncertain Fate of BioWare

One game in particular seems to be facing an especially precarious situation: the next installment in the Mass Effect series. Emmanuel Rosier, a former senior manager at EA with nine years of experience, recently spoke with bağlantı”>PC Gamer and expressed serious doubts about its future.

“Then in the middle you have these IPs like the BioWare IPs,” Rosier stated. “They’ve been struggling as a studio, and the brand has been struggling in recent years. I don’t know if they will keep funding that one. I think that’s the biggest question mark for me.”

When directly asked if EA might abandon BioWare altogether and cancel the game, his response was far from reassuring: “I will believe it when I see it, the next Mass Effect game, let’s put it that way.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within the industry about the direction of BioWare under new ownership.

Financial Realities and Strategic Shifts

Rosier, now the director of market intelligence at Newzoo, is viewing this situation through a business lens. The fact that bağlantı”>EA has been saddled with $20 billion in debt adds another layer of complexity. With such significant financial pressure, EA may be forced to prioritize its most lucrative franchises, potentially leaving little room for single-player games or those deemed less likely to generate substantial revenue like EA Sports FC Ultimate Team or bağlantı”>Apex Legends.

BioWare Veterans Express Concerns

Even Mark Darrah, a veteran of BioWare, has voiced concerns about the future of Mass Effect and the studio he once called home. Reacting to the initial announcement of the $55 billion buyout, bağlantı”>Darrah suggested that EA might sell off studios that have struggled in recent years, haven’t been very profitable, or don’t produce “the kind of games that this new company isn’t interested in making any more.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of EA Under Saudi Ownership

We recently spoke with a number of industry experts bağlantı”>to try and chart what the future of EA might look like under Saudi ownership. Our piece delves into the various potential scenarios, including possible layoffs, game cancellations, and how the company’s culture will be affected by this significant shift in power.