Part 8/10:
Given the long silence since the last major release, the development cycle for Mass Effect is expected to be lengthy. Most fans agree that the stakes have never been higher for BioWare, and the next Mass Effect could make or break the studio's future. If the upcoming game fails to meet expectations, it could spell the end for the once-revered developer.
This situation is particularly poignant for longtime fans who grew up playing BioWare's titles, feeling nostalgic about their storytelling mastery and innovative gameplay. The current state of the studio marks a stark departure from its glory days, replaced by internal turmoil, layoffs, and a heavily narrowed focus.