The campaign to save Mass Effect has reached a significant milestone. The #SaveMassEffect petition on Change.org has surpassed 200,000 verified signatures in its first weekend, driven by support from both Commander Shepard voice actors and unexpected allies from the Destiny community.
The petition was created on October 21, moments after Electronic Arts announced it was closing BioWare and cancelling Mass Effect 5 — the next chapter in the beloved science fiction RPG series that the studio had been developing for years. What began as a fan reaction to devastating news has evolved into one of the most visible gaming preservation campaigns in recent memory.
Shepard’s Voice Actors Speak Out
Perhaps the most significant boost to the campaign came from the actors who brought Commander Shepard to life. Jennifer Hale, who voiced the female Shepard across the original trilogy, shared a video outlining a vision for the franchise’s future.
“I like to think about a world where the fans come together to create a Kickstarter, and then a couple of investors join them, and then a really cool game company joins them. Then a collective is formed to bring Mass Effect back to life for the community, for the creatives — for all of us — and it’s amazing.”
Mark Meer, who voiced the male Shepard, echoed her sentiments during an Instagram livestream alongside Hale. “Save Mass Effect. Hold the line,” he said, referencing the character’s iconic catchphrase. “I should go, and you should go… sign that petition.”
Their involvement carries particular weight given that neither actor is likely to be part of any future Mass Effect project — they’re advocating for the franchise’s survival purely as fans and former contributors.
What the Petition Actually Asks
The petition, created by fan Joe Smith, is careful in its demands. It does not ask EA to reverse the BioWare closure — a decision that appears final. Instead, it calls for “decisive action by committing to the continued development of Mass Effect” through one of two paths:
Either EA commits proper funding, staffing, and time to continue the series under a different studio, or it licenses the Mass Effect intellectual property to another developer willing to carry the franchise forward. The petition argues that the series’ potential cessation represents “a devastating prospect not only for fans but for the diversity of narrative-driven games as a whole.”
The cancelled game: Mass Effect: Universe had been in development for years, with BioWare confirming as recently as November 2025 that a core team of veteran developers was actively working on it. An internal trailer leaked shortly before the closure announcement, revealing returning characters and new storylines.
The Destiny Community Joins the Fight
In one of the more unexpected developments, the Destiny community — players of Bungie’s sci-fi shooter — has rallied behind the Mass Effect cause. Posts from Destiny-focused social media accounts helped drive signature numbers past the 200,000 mark, suggesting that the gaming community recognises the broader implications of losing another major narrative franchise.
The petition’s growth has been rapid. It hit 50,000 signatures within days of BioWare’s closure, passed 100,000 by October 24, and crossed 200,000 just a day later. More than 29,000 signatures were added on October 22 alone, with the total tripling the following day.
What Happens Next
The petition’s impact on EA’s decision-making remains uncertain. The company has not responded to the campaign, and the closure of BioWare appears final. However, the sheer volume of signatures — combined with high-profile support from the franchise’s own voice actors — ensures that the question of Mass Effect’s future will remain in the public conversation.
The Canadian government has reportedly considered aiding BioWare, though no concrete plans have emerged. Meanwhile, fans continue to discuss alternative paths forward, from Kickstarter-funded revivals to licensing deals with other studios.
For now, the petition continues to gather signatures, and the Mass Effect community — bolstered by allies across the gaming world — waits to see whether EA will listen.
