Key Notes
- Trent Oster estimates a top-tier new Mass Effect could cost $200 million or more, based on comparable AAA productions rather than a disclosed project budget.
- The BioWare co-founder believes an experienced team with a disciplined approach could make a strong game for less.
- His support for Save Mass Effect follows EA’s cancellation of the next game, but does not announce a licensed developer or committed revival funding.
A new Mass Effect built to the standards fans expect could require $200 million or more, according to BioWare co-founder Trent Oster. He also believes an experienced team working with discipline could deliver a good game for less, putting an important qualification on the headline estimate.
GamesRadar+ reported Oster’s comments on X on November 5. He described the figure as a broad estimate based on comparable AAA productions, rather than disclosing the canceled sequel’s approved budget or a price EA has set for the franchise.
Oster had already backed the #SaveMassEffect campaign, saying there was a case for a well-funded RPG developer and expressing interest in reuniting former colleagues.
I love seeing all the energy around #SaveMassEffect
— Trent Oster (@TrentOster) November 4, 2026
AAA Expectations Shape the Estimate
Oster’s concern is the level of production the audience would expect from a new entry. Meeting that expectation would mean committing substantial funding before a project could generate sales, with a wider commercial plan for the intellectual property needed to justify the investment.
His estimate concerns the work of making a new game. It does not establish what acquiring or licensing Mass Effect would cost, how much of the canceled project could be reused, or how a future production would be staffed.
He also leaves room for a different approach. A disciplined production led by developers with relevant experience could come in below that broad AAA benchmark, in his view. He has not presented a detailed cost breakdown, financing commitment or agreement with EA.
EA Ended the Previous Project in October
EA’s October 21 employee memo confirmed that it would stop work on the next Mass Effect and close BioWare’s Edmonton studio. The publisher described the project as being in early development with a small team.
We reported on that decision as part of EA’s broader restructuring. The memo said the company would pursue fewer simultaneous large-scale action-adventure projects while continuing Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game.
That announcement explains why supporters are discussing a revival or a new developer. Oster’s comments do not reverse the cancellation or identify a studio that has permission to take over the series.
Fan Campaigns Seek Funding or Another Developer
The Save Mass Effect petition asks EA to commit the money, staffing and time needed to continue the franchise. Its alternative is for EA to license or sell the property so another developer can work on it.
We previously covered the campaign passing 200,000 signatures and receiving support from Commander Shepard actors Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer. That support demonstrates interest, while a production would still need agreed rights, a team and financing.
There is also a distinct Canadian parliamentary initiative seeking government capital to help BioWare and its intellectual property become independent. As we explained, its 500-signature threshold is part of the certification process; crossing it does not approve funding or require EA to sell the studio.
