Electronic Arts game properties such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and The Sims have long included same-sex romance, but the buyout by Saudi Arabia's private investment fund (PIF), Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, and private equity fund Silver Lake changed things. For example, The Sims 2 physical edition cover shows different Sims in several poses, including a couple kissing and an alien. In Saudi Arabia, the cover art was completely modified to feature a handful of dull-looking male Sims standing emotionless.
The acquisition of EA by private equity has been a cause of distress for thousands of fans who advocate for LGBTQ rights. Many were concerned about BioWare's future, not only due to the studio's recent struggles, but also because of its progressive stance in video games. While this wasn't the cause of BioWare shutting down, it seems EA was already asking the devs to tone down these themes during the development of the now-canceled Mass Effect Universe.
BioWare reportedly asked to remove LGBTQ flag from Mass Effect Universe
Former BioWare employees spoke to a journalist from French outlet BFM TV, revealing many interesting details about the development of the now-canceled new Mass Effect game. One employee, speaking anonymously, reported that the new managers were not too convinced by Mass Effect Universe. "I think the video proposals we presented to the new management weren't convincing," the employee explained. "Especially since BioWare is known for its inclusive storytelling, which didn't help to dispel the skepticism."
The anonymous employee mentioned a specific case where the developers were asked to remove a specific flag from a presentation video for "looking too much like the LGBTQIA+ flag," in order "not to offend." The interview does not specify who requested the removal of the flag, nor whether the developers complied with the request.
Mass Effect's themes and narrative strongly resonated with many players, including those from marginalized communities, who felt that the Normandy and its crew provided a safe haven. While it is sad to see EA cancel the project, it would've been even worse to see it destroy what BioWare worked so hard to achieve.