Leaked Mass Effect: Universe Clip Surfaces After BioWare Closure Reports
The two-minute video names an unannounced project and features Liara T'Soni, though Polygon says it cannot verify the footage's authenticity.
A short clip said to come from an unannounced Mass Effect project called Mass Effect: Universe appeared online on October 21, a day after reports that BioWare had closed, according to Polygon. The outlet said it could not independently verify the footage's authenticity.
The roughly two-minute video opens with a warning that it was assembled from pre-production assets by a small team. It introduces a new protagonist described as once belonging to the same organisation as Commander Shepard, and Liara T'Soni appears in the footage.
Polygon noted that the clip lacks the usual markers of AI-generated content and appears to include voice work from actors who have previously worked on the series. The trailer shows biotic powers, Krogan aliens, romance scenes and an interactive galaxy map, along with new close-quarters moves and biotic power combos.
The leak follows uncertainty among fans over the status of the next mainline game. Mass Effect 5 was announced in 2020, and after news of BioWare's closure broke, players questioned how the project could still be in early development five years later. People reportedly on the next Mass Effect team have said they overcame early development issues and were working on a strong game, while a recent LinkedIn post from an alleged EA employee claimed Mass Effect 5 was finished and ready.
Quick answers
Is the Mass Effect: Universe leak real?
Polygon reported that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.
When did the Mass Effect: Universe clip appear online?
The clip surfaced on October 21, a day after reports of BioWare's closure.
Who appears in the leaked footage?
The clip features a new protagonist and Liara T'Soni, along with biotic powers, Krogan aliens and an interactive galaxy map.