Mass Effect Revival: 223,000 Sign EA Save Petition [Confirmed]

Electronic Arts faces intense global backlash after more than 223,000 fans signed an emergency petition on October 26, 2026, demanding the publisher reverse its decision to cancel the next Mass Effect installment and permanently shutter legendary developer BioWare. According to verified reports from GamesIndustry.biz, EA abruptly liquidated BioWare on October 21 after three decades of operations, instantly halting pre-production on the untitled Mass Effect sequel. The dramatic closure materialized less than three months after the European Union approved a massive $55 billion buyout of EA by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners on August 4. In response, campaign organizer Joe Smith mobilized hundreds of thousands of vocal supporters worldwide, calling for EA to either fund a dedicated development team with proper resources or license the intellectual property to an independent studio capable of preserving its narrative pedigree. This corporate restructuring mirrors widespread industry volatility, much like the [Auroch Digital Layoffs 2026: Studio Cuts 25% Staff [Confirmed]](/news/auroch-digital-layoffs-2026-confirmed) that rattled UK development hubs earlier this year. EA has declined public comment regarding whether external studios could inherit the franchise.