Saving Mass Effect 5 would cost over $200 million, BioWare co-founder says
gamesradar.com Nov 5, 2026

Saving Mass Effect 5 would cost over $200 million, BioWare co-founder says

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The #SaveMassEffect campaign seeks either a new developer or a sale of the franchise from EA, after BioWare’s closure halted Mass Effect 5. BioWare co‑founder Trent Oster estimates a new AAA title would cost over $200 million, citing the need for a substantial upfront investment and a robust business plan. Fans have gathered more than 300,000 signatures on Change.org, while industry voices debate whether a buyer could afford and execute a high‑quality sequel. The debate highlights the financial and creative hurdles of reviving a dormant IP.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The potential sale of Mass Effect underscores a broader trend of large publishers holding valuable IPs without releasing them, forcing passionate fan movements to confront the high cost of AAA development.
  • · This case could set a precedent for how legacy franchises are handled when original studios dissolve.