BioWare, which has been going through a difficult period, has taken a promising step for the new game of its legendary series Mass Effect after large-scale layoffs. The studio has officially announced that it is looking for senior technical artists to work on the Mass Effect 5 project. Despite the staff losses after Dragon Age: The Veilguard, this move has rekindled excitement among fans about the future of the series.
Mass Effect 5 Development Speeds Up
Mass Effect 5 has been positioned as one of the priority projects in BioWare’s restructuring process. The game’s development process is led by veteran Michael Gamble, who has played an important role in the studio since the second game in the series. Gamble invited talented people to join the project by saying, “Let’s build the future of Mass Effect together,” in a social media announcement. According to the job posting, BioWare is looking for a senior technical artist with at least eight years of experience.
A New Beginning After Layoffs
This hiring process on the BioWare front is considered a remarkable development after the massive layoffs that took place in February, which reduced the studio's staff to less than 100. The studio, which had over 200 employees a few years ago, was shaken by disappointments and changes in the creative team, especially after Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The game's creative director John Epler's move to another EA studio and the departure of key writers led to the need for a restructuring within the studio.
The Problem of Adaptation of Different Cultures and New Team Strategy
The cultural fit issues between the Dragon Age and Mass Effect teams, as mentioned by former Dragon Age writer David Gaider, may have also played a role in this restructuring process. BioWare's strategy of bringing in experienced outsiders for Mass Effect 5 is seen as a logical step in terms of the project having a more coherent vision.
Limited Information, High Expectations About Mass Effect 5
There are currently very limited details officially shared about the new Mass Effect game. However, some hints given at past N7 Day events have led to speculation that the beloved character Liara T'Soni may appear in the game. It is also thought that some connections to the criticized Mass Effect: Andromeda universe may be established in this new game. Although official information is limited, the start of the recruitment process is considered a strong sign that the game is actively being developed and revives fans' hopes.
