A new documentary, Massive Effect: The BioWare Story, is in production and slated for release next year. The film chronicles the 31-year history of the Alberta-born studio, from its origins as an underdog developer to its closure by EA last month. Filming began two years before the studio's shutdown, capturing the final days of the team. Producer Shane Fennessey emphasized the responsibility of documenting how the story ends following the shocking shutdown. The project was commissioned by Canada's Super Channel.
The documentary features prominent figures including founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, creative director Casey Hudson, and iconic voice actor Jennifer Hale. It will also feature former EA CEO John Riccitiello and various BioWare developers. BioWare fans are invited to contribute personal memories, photos, and fan art via a dedicated website, allowing them to potentially appear in the film.
The film arrives amid the studio's closure, which occurred after EA decided to shut down BioWare following underperforming sales on recent titles. EA, now primarily owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, chose to redirect resources toward Star Wars Battlefront 3 rather than fund Mass Effect 5. The studio, reduced to around 50 workers, was in early development on the next Mass Effect installment.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing