Speculations for a new Mass Effect game remain as they are since the release of the anticipated game is still a big blur. Bioware, who brought Mass Effect and other science fiction series to life, has not said a word regarding the date of when it will be released.
However, it confirmed way back in 2012 that another Mass Effect game, dubbed as the Mass Effect 4, will use the Frostbite 3 engine, just like the Dragon Age: Inquisition which indicated that a fourth installment may be in the works.
Debates and discussions sparked as to which among Mass Effect 3's endings the new one will be based off of, considering the diversity of each. Former Bioware community Manager Chris Priestly shared a piece of his mind in attempts to dispel the issue. The games were a trilogy for a reason, and Mass Effect 3 is apparently the last of it.
"To call the next game Mass Effect 4 or ME4 is doing it a disservice and seems to cause a lot of confusion here. We have already said that the Commander Shepard trilogy is over and that the next game will not feature him/her. That is the only detail you have on the game. I see people saying "well, they'll have to pick a canon ending". No, because the game does not have to come after. Or before. Or off to the side. Or with characters you know. Or yaddayaddayadda. Wherever, whenever, whoever, etc will all be revealed years down the road when we actually start talking about it."
This has been the closest fans have gotten—an all new Mass Effect game without Commander Shepard. The game will run under a completely new laid out plot, new characters and a new environment while still grounded on fitting details from the Mass Effect Universe. The game, which is not likely to be called Mass Effect 4, will definitely happen.
On the bright side, Bioware faithfuls may look forward to a new Dragon Age installment. Dragon Age: Inquisition is said to be the game company's 2014 highlight. Priestly tells all about its production in their forums.
"I would guess that BioWare wants the focus of 2014 to be on Dragon Age: Inquisition. DA2 was not loved by all fans *cough*, but it was an important step going from DA:O to what DA:I looks to be."
When Inquisition comes into fruition this year, it is safe to say that a new Mass Effect installment will be released next year.
Meanwhile, Bioware has declared Nov. 7 this year, which they called N7 day, as the day to celebrate the Mass Effect franchise.
