Mass Effect fandom mobilizes: 187K petition demands EA commit to franchise's future

A petition calling for action to preserve BioWare's Mass Effect franchise has crossed 187,000 signatures in the wake of recent layoffs at the studio. Started by Joe Smith, the Change.org campaign doesn't necessarily demand EA reverse its restructuring, but instead pushes for either robust funding and staffing commitments or licensing the IP to a studio with genuine passion for the series. The timing reflects frustration over a cancelled Mass Effect Universe project, details of which leaked this week from a former community council member who had seen development footage. The petition emphasizes the franchise's cultural impact beyond gaming, noting how players have invested thousands of hours forming attachments to characters and storylines.