Although we know that Mass Effect 4 is in development, there are doubts about it. Electronic Arts is trying to reassure fans about this highly anticipated sequel, but that’s not all.
In addition to Mass Effect 4, the publisher has many big games in the pipeline, including Battlefield 7, which is being watched with some concern. However, after the strike of American actors, members of the SAG-AFTRA union, which began on July 26, the video game industry in general came to a standstill. In his recent appeal to investors, Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts, wanted to reassure the situation of the studios he oversees.
The development of Mass Effect 4 and other Electronic Arts games is secured from the outset
As artificial intelligence threatens many jobs, the SAG-AFTRA union protecting video game actors in the US followed in the footsteps of Hollywood screenwriters and went on strike on July 26. However, many upcoming major games, including GTA 6, are unlikely to be affected. This would also be the case for major titles from Electronic Arts, such as Mass Effect 4, which was announced three years ago.
At least that’s what Andrew Wilson, the company’s CEO, said in the publisher’s recent call to investors. First of all, we have great respect for the talent of the actors who are a crucial part of our work in delivering entertaining experiences to our players around the world. This situation affects the entire industry and we are of course at the negotiating table. Regarding our upcoming products [comme Mass Effect 4]The strike only affects games whose production began after September 2023. In any case, in the short term, our games in development or our active service games should not be affected ».
A strike with a longer-term effect?
Remember that Mass Effect 4 would have started production before September 2023, so BioWare’s next title after Dragon Age 4 should be out of date. It now remains to be seen whether the strike of American video game actors will last as long as that of directors in Hollywood. Andrew Wilson also wanted to reassure on this point: ” We are committed to continuing negotiations in good faith and hope that the parties can quickly find a satisfactory solution. ».
As with any BioWare title, the performance of the actors is crucial to its success. Andromeda was particularly disappointing here. Let’s hope that this will not be the case with a Mass Effect 4 that seems very far away at the moment but whose development should a priori continue quietly.
Source: Electronic Arts
