{
  "id": 18754475,
  "title": "Commander Shepard’s Actors Are ‘Wildly Hopeful’ for Mass Effect, Despite Everything",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/commander-shepards-actors-are-wildly-hopeful-for-mass-effect-despite",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-07T17:00:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Polygon",
    "slug": "polygon",
    "url": "https://www.polygon.com/mass-effect-commander-shepard-jennifer-hale-mark-meer-interview-n7-day-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BioWare closed its doors in October, laying off around 50 staff members and canceling a new Mass Effect game called Mass Effect: Universe. The closure sent shockwaves throughout the gaming community, especially among Mass Effect fans, who have started a petition to save the beloved franchise. Mark Meer and Jennifer Hale, the voice actors for Shepard, expressed their surprisingly optimistic outlook on the situation. Meer's first reaction was sadness, but he emphasized the pride BioWare brought to Canada, particularly Edmonton. Hale, who initially cried when BioWare was acquired by EA, now describes her optimism as \"wildly hopeful.\" She imagines that fans could come together to own the Mass Effect IP, with EA parting with it if necessary. While EA may sell off BioWare's assets to pay off debt, the legacy and community power of Mass Effect remain strong. N7 Day, an annual celebration of the franchise, will continue as fans dedicate themselves to preserving the universe they love.",
  "summary": "Polygon spoke to Mass Effect's Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer about their optimism for Mass Effect after EA shut down BioWare and canceled Mass Effect 5.",
  "key_points": [
    "BioWare closed in October, laying off 50 staff members",
    "Voice actors Meer and Hale express optimistic outlook",
    "Fans aim to own Mass Effect IP, preserve franchise"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}