Key Facts
- ✓ BioWare is currently hiring for a new senior leadership position specifically for Mass Effect 5.
- ✓ The new Production Director will report directly to Mass Effect franchise veteran Mike Gamble.
- ✓ Mass Effect 5 officially remains in the pre-production phase of development.
- ✓ The studio recently downsized following the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which did not meet Electronic Arts' sales expectations.
- ✓ A dedicated team of Mass Effect veterans is leading the project, including art director Derek Watts and creative director Parrish Ley.
- ✓ The game is expected to be set hundreds of years after the original trilogy and will feature at least one returning character.
A New Era for the Normandy
BioWare is quietly laying the groundwork for its next major RPG project, with hiring now underway for a key senior role on Mass Effect 5. This development marks a significant shift for the veteran studio as it moves forward following the recent launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
The studio's focus is now squarely on the future of the Mass Effect universe. A new Production Director position has been posted, signaling a new phase of development for the highly anticipated sequel.
A Strategic Hiring Move
The new role represents a critical addition to the Mass Effect 5 leadership team. According to the job description, the Production Director will be responsible for partnering with the game's creative leadership, studio teams, and both internal and external partners.
The core mission of this position is to champion the game's vision and ensure its execution meets the highest quality standards. This hire is a direct response to the studio's recent restructuring.
Hi, I'm hiring a very important senior leadership role. They'll report to me and it's gonna be awesome.
This statement from Mike Gamble, a veteran of both BioWare and the Mass Effect franchise, confirms the direct reporting structure for the new position. The role is designed to provide strong leadership and direction as the project moves deeper into development.
"Hi, I'm hiring a very important senior leadership role. They'll report to me and it's gonna be awesome."
— Mike Gamble, BioWare and Mass Effect franchise veteran
Studio Restructuring and Focus
BioWare's renewed focus on Mass Effect comes after a period of significant change. The studio experienced downsizing following the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which did not meet sales expectations from publisher Electronic Arts.
Following the decision not to develop further content for The Veilguard, the studio's full attention has shifted to its other flagship franchise. Mass Effect 5, which was in a concept phase with a small team, is now the studio's exclusive development focus.
- Mass Effect 5 is officially in the pre-production phase.
- The development team is now exclusively focused on this project.
- Leadership is composed of veterans from the original trilogy.
The leadership team includes art director Derek Watts, creative director Parrish Ley, and game director Preston Watmaniuk, all of whom have deep roots in the series.
The Legacy Continues
Despite the challenges, BioWare remains committed to the Mass Effect universe. The studio has consistently released concept art and teasers to reassure fans of its dedication to the series.
Let's start by setting the record straight: the next Mass Effect game is in development, and EA and BioWare remain committed to telling more stories in this universe.
The upcoming game is expected to be set hundreds of years after the events of the original trilogy and will feature at least one returning character. This timeline allows the narrative to explore new corners of the galaxy while maintaining a connection to the series' rich history.
The truth is, the last few years have been an incredibly busy time at BioWare. But currently, the team is heads-down and focused exclusively on Mass Effect. We have a lot of universe to cover, lots of features to build, and lots of romances to figure out.
This recent statement from Mike Gamble highlights the team's current dedication and the ambitious scope of the project ahead.
Expanding the Universe
The Mass Effect universe is expanding beyond video games. Pre-production has also begun on an Amazon Prime Mass Effect TV series, which will also be set after the events of the original trilogy.
This parallel development underscores the enduring popularity of the franchise. While the game remains in early stages, the broader brand is being actively cultivated for new audiences. BioWare has not announced a release window for the game, but the hiring of a Production Director suggests that development is beginning to accelerate.
What's Next for the Franchise
The hiring of a new Production Director is a clear signal that Mass Effect 5 is moving from concept to active development. With a veteran leadership team in place and the studio's full attention now on the project, the path forward is becoming clearer.
Key developments to watch for include:
- Further updates on the game's narrative and setting.
- Additional hiring announcements for key development roles.
- First official gameplay reveals or trailers.
As BioWare continues to rebuild and refocus, the future of one of gaming's most celebrated series is slowly taking shape.
"Let's start by setting the record straight: the next Mass Effect game is in development, and EA and BioWare remain committed to telling more stories in this universe."
— Mike Gamble, BioWare and Mass Effect franchise veteran
"The truth is, the last few years have been an incredibly busy time at BioWare. But currently, the team is heads-down and focused exclusively on Mass Effect. We have a lot of universe to cover, lots of features to build, and lots of romances to figure out."
— Mike Gamble, BioWare and Mass Effect franchise veteran










