Save Mass Effect Petition Passes 200,000 Signatures

The Save Mass Effect petition has passed 200,000 verified signatures as fans call on Electronic Arts to commit to the franchise’s future following BioWare’s closure.

The Change.org campaign, created by Joe Smith on October 21, asks EA to continue Mass Effect development with sufficient funding, staff and production time. If EA does not want to fund another game itself, the petition proposes licensing the franchise to another studio that is prepared to continue it.

Video Games Chronicle reported that the petition crossed the 200,000 mark within days of launching. The milestone reflects a fast-growing fan campaign, but it does not create any obligation for EA to revive the canceled project or approve a new Mass Effect game.

Commander Shepard actors support the campaign

Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer, the actors behind the female and male versions of Commander Shepard, have both publicly supported the effort. Hale discussed a hypothetical path involving fans, investors and a development studio, while Meer encouraged followers to sign the petition.

The campaign follows EA’s decision to end early development on the next Mass Effect and close BioWare. Our report on BioWare’s closure covers the company’s announcement and what it meant for the project.

EA has not announced a plan to resume development, license Mass Effect to another studio or otherwise respond to the petition. The campaign is therefore a public show of support for the franchise, not confirmation of a future game.

What would you like EA to do with the Mass Effect franchise next?