BioWare Was Asked to Remove LGBTQ Flag from Canceled Mass Effect Game, Report Says

Electronic Arts, the company behind popular games such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and The Sims, recently altered its course following a private investment buyout by Saudi Arabia's private investment fund, Affinity Partners, and private equity firm Silver Lake. This shift in ownership has raised concerns among fans who champion LGBTQ rights, as the acquisition has affected the progress of the studio BioWare, which has maintained a progressive stance in the gaming industry.

The canceled Mass Effect Universe project, developed by BioWare, was one of the many titles affected by these changes. Former BioWare employees, speaking anonymously to French outlet BFM TV, disclosed that the new management was not particularly impressed with the game's video proposals. The developers had presented their ideas to the new executives, but felt the proposals lacked convincing elements.

Additionally, the employees noted that the studio's reputation for inclusive storytelling did little to alleviate the management's skepticism.

A particular instance mentioned by the anonymous source involved developers being asked to remove a particular flag from a presentation video. This flag was closely associated with the LGBTQIA+ community, and the request aimed to prevent any potential offense. It is unclear whether the developers complied with the request. The cancellation of the Mass Effect Universe game is a disappointment to many, as it represented a significant opportunity for BioWare to further its inclusive narrative.

However, the thought of the project inadvertently damaging the work of the talented team behind BioWare is a more pressing concern.