The much-anticipated next installment in the Mass Effect franchise recently became a topic of intense speculation. But, it’s not good news. The reports suggest that the game isn’t coming anytime soon. Specifically, it’s believed that Mass Effect 5 won’t be ready until 2029, raising doubts about its development timeline and the franchise’s future.
The speculation, which is primarily based on the insight of a noteworthy industry insider, implies a prolonged period of development that could push the game’s release to the next generation of gaming consoles, which are rumored to arrive on or before 2028.
According to Jeff Grubb, a well-known figure in the gaming industry and a presenter at Giant Bomb, the next Mass Effect game is “very far away.” Grubb speculates that the game could be slated for release around 2029, aligning with the expected release timelines of the next generation of consoles, such as the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. This is based on the development timeline of Mass Effect 5 and Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, another major project from BioWare. Announced in 2018, Dreadwolf has yet to be released, suggesting a lengthy development cycle could be in store for the new Mass Effect.
The recent N7 Day celebrations, an annual event dedicated to the Mass Effect franchise, provided little concrete details about the upcoming game, further fueling doubts about its state. At the very least, the newest N7 Day teaser reassured fans that it’s still in development despite the lack of significant updates.
Grubb’s comments, which fellow host Tamoor Hussain agrees with, are proof that it remains in the early stages of development. This aligns with BioWare’s own statements from November 2022, indicating that the next Mass Effect is still in pre-production.
The protracted development timeline of Dragon Age Dreadwolf, fraught with internal delays, staff departures, and, at the very least, a pair of production reboots, has set a precedent for extended timelines in BioWare’s major projects. This has led to cautious optimism among fans, hopeful for a well-crafted game but wary of the potential for delays marred by development challenges.
It’s important to note that this speculation about the game’s release timeline remains unconfirmed by either BioWare or Electronic Arts, the parent company of the developer.
In the past, it seemed as if Bioware could do no wrong. The studio put out several award-winning hits over a span over nearly two decades. Unfortunately, the studio’s recent history with titles like Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, has soured its reputation. The departure of key staff members, a shift in the studio’s focus, and criticisms about losing its once-mysterious “magic” powers have also contributed to the apprehension surrounding the development of the new Mass Effect.
While the exact release date and the platforms for the game remain uncertain, it’s clear that the franchise’s next chapter is a topic of significant interest and debate. Fans of the series eagerly await further updates from BioWare, hoping for a game that lives up to the legacy of its predecessors and pushes the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay in the sci-fi genre.
Bioware is currently working on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, which doesn’t have a release date. It’s believed that the game has been internally delayed to next year.
