Former employees of BioWare have reportedly revealed that Electronic Arts demanded the removal of an LGBTQIA+ flag from promotional materials for the now-cancelled Mass Effect Universe project. According to sources speaking to BFM TV, this request was made specifically to avoid offending the incoming executive leadership following the acquisition of the group by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The sources describe a climate of discomfort during meetings between the Canadian studio and the new corporate hierarchy. One anonymous employee stated that proposal videos presented to the new management were not convincing, noting that BioWare's reputation for inclusive storytelling likely fueled skepticism among the new owners. This shift in stance is directly linked to the transfer of ownership to the PIF, given that Saudi Arabia maintains a legislative framework that does not recognize LGBTQIA+ rights and imposes severe penalties on community members.
The specific incident cited involves EA explicitly ordering the removal of the flag from the Mass Effect Universe presentation video to prevent hesitation among the new investment fund officials. This move stands in contrast to the historical identity of the Mass Effect franchise, which has long been a benchmark for representation in high-budget gaming by normalizing same-sex romance options and voicing diverse orientations and identities.
These revelations emerge alongside confirmation of BioWare's permanent closure and the cancellation of the new Mass Effect project, which the studio had been developing for years. The situation confirms fears regarding the impact of these financial restructurations on creative freedom and the studio's core values.
Sources: Nintenderos.