Mass Effect 4 news, release update: writer for Mass Effect 3 returns to the franchise

Mass Effect 4 teaserBioware

As posted on a "Mass Effect" subreddit page and cited by iDigital Times, veteran writer John Dombrow will be returning as the new Senior Writer for "Mass Effect 4."

Dombrow's previous contributions include writing credits for the missions "Priority: Sur'Kesh," Priority: Tuchanka," "Priority: Thessia." He was also responsible for penning the dialogue for the fan-favorite character Garrus as well as the character Javik. He also wrote for the "Citadel," "Leviathan," and "Overlord" DLC packs.

Dombrow has also written for the "Mass Effect" comic books by Dark Horse Comics.

Following his work on "Mass Effect 3," John Dombrow moved on to work as the senior writer for the "Bioshock Infinite" DLC pack "Buried at Sea." After this he jumped over to TellTale Games and contributed to both Episodes 3 and 4 of their "Game of Thrones" point-and-click adventure games.

Other than the addition of John Dombrow to the team, very little information has been revealed regarding "Mass Effect 4." The latest tease came via Twitter when cinematic director Ken Thain revealed a behind-the-scenes image of the game's motion capture work being done in Vancouver.

According to a recent post by Gamespot, the game shouldn't be referred to as "Mass Effect 4" since the Bioware team isn't calling it that either because such a title would suggest it follows the events of "Mass Effect 3." Instead, the next "Mass Effect" title will be a stand-alone story but set in the same universe.

The Gamespot post also reveals that while the developers are using "Dragon Age: Inquisition" as their blueprint, particularly the Frostbite engine. However, this does not mean that "Dragon Age: Inquisition" is a direct template of what the next "Mass Effect" game will be like.

Also revealed is the return of the Mako, the explorer vehicle from "Mass Effect 1." The vehicle was ditched for the two sequels but the team has been adamant on bringing the concept of planet exploration back for the next title.