A feature-length documentary titled Massive Effect: The BioWare Story is preparing for a 2027 release, capturing the history of the Edmonton-based studio through its recent closure by Electronic Arts. The film, commissioned by Canada’s Super Channel, will track the studio’s journey from its creation to its last two years.
Filming spans BioWare’s final years and closure
Tech Insider reports that with the studio’s recent closure, the filmmakers now describe the finished work as a profound valediction.
The documentary is being produced by Shane Fennessey and Adam Scorgie through Fennessey Films and Score G Productions. IGN notes that industry veteran Geoff Keighley was interviewed earlier this year and confirmed the project’s 2027 release window.
BioWare co-founders react to the production request
Other participants include Mass Effect game director Casey Hudson and Jennifer Hale, the voice actress for the female variant of Commander Shepard.
The studio’s co-founders expressed their reaction to the production team’s request to tell the BioWare story.
When the production team asked for our blessing to tell the BioWare story, we were honoured and genuinely moved,
Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk, BioWare co-founders
BioWare was never just about the logo or the building. It was about deeply emotionally engaging stories and characters, brought to life by the amazingly talented people on our dev teams, and our excellent production and distribution partners who helped us bring those stories successfully to all corners of the planet, and our passionate fans who defended those worlds, championed them and carried them forward. We’re proud this film honours those who made it all possible. The best stories never really end. They live on in our memories and wait for someone to pick them up again.
Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk, BioWare co-founders
Context of the Electronic Arts decision
According to IGN, the studio had been struggling for a while; its last three games were misfires, and the next Mass Effect game was expected to still be years away. As a result, EA reportedly decided to place its bets on a new Star Wars Battlefront game from DICE and Respawn instead of continuing to fund a new Mass Effect game.
A trailer for Mass Effect 5, which was apparently called Mass Effect Universe, did find its way online, painting a better picture of what fans could’ve expected from the canceled game. BioWare was shut down last month, much to the shock of the wider industry and fans alike.
Film release details remain unconfirmed
While the film was commissioned by Canada’s Super Channel, it’s unclear if it will also be made available online for those outside of Canada. No specific figures regarding the film’s budget or total runtime have been announced.
Information regarding the BioWare documentary
- Which companies are producing the film? Fennessey Films and Score G Productions are producing it.
- Who is the primary broadcaster for the documentary? The film was commissioned by Canada’s Super Channel.
- When was BioWare founded? The Edmonton-based studio was founded in 1995.
- Who is writing and directing the film? Akash Sherman writes and directs.
Earlier coverage: BioWare Documentary Filmed During Studio's Final Years Before Closure