Next Mass Effect Release Uncertain Under EA's Saudi-Led Ownership, Says Former EA Manager

The fate of the next Mass Effect game remains highly uncertain following Electronic Arts' acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), according to Emmanuel Rosier, a former senior manager at EA who now serves as director of market intelligence at industry analyst Newzoo.

Speaking with PC Gamer, Rosier stated that "everything is open at this point" regarding EA's future direction under its new ownership. He expects the company to prioritize sports titles, particularly European football, due to the sport's popularity in Saudi and Middle Eastern territories, as well as expand its focus on esports.

However, Rosier expressed significant concern over the future of mid-tier intellectual properties, specifically citing BioWare's franchises. "They've been struggling as a studio, as a brand have been struggling in recent years, and I don't know if they will keep funding that one. I think that's the biggest question mark for me," he said.

When asked directly whether EA might cancel the next Mass Effect game entirely, Rosier responded with cautious skepticism: "I will believe it when I see it, the next Mass Effect game, let's put it that way." He noted that BioWare has historically taken years to develop major titles and that the new ownership may not have strong emotional ties to the studio's legacy franchises.

The uncertainty comes as EA faces $20 billion in debt following the $55 billion leveraged buyout, the largest private equity transaction in history. Industry analysts expect the publisher to focus more aggressively on its most profitable franchises, such as EA Sports FC and Apex Legends, potentially leaving less room for single-player or mid-budget projects.

BioWare veteran Mark Darrah has also voiced concerns about the studio's future, suggesting that EA might sell off struggling studios or cancel projects that don't align with the new company's interests. The studio's most recent release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, reportedly underperformed commercially, adding to concerns about BioWare's viability within EA's portfolio.

Rosier emphasized that the new investors are likely to make financially driven decisions rather than ones based on brand loyalty or historical significance. "If the new investor, they don't have that many feelings about the history of the portfolio, they will take the most financially sound decision most probably," he concluded.