“So as not to offend anyone.” EA allegedly demanded that LGBTQ symbols be removed from the Mass Effect game presentation

During development of the next Mass Effect, Electronic Arts management asked for a flag resembling LGBT symbolism to be removed from the teaser trailer. About this reported a former BioWare employee said this in an interview with journalists from the French outlet BFM TV.

Mass Effect 5 (working title — Mass Effect: Universe) is an officially canceled sci-fi role-playing game that was supposed to become the next installment in BioWare's legendary Mass Effect franchise.

According to an anonymous source, after EA changed ownership, management's attitude toward the project changed. The new executives, the developer claims, were not impressed by the presentation materials. They may also have been put off by the inclusive themes for which BioWare games are known.

“I think the videos we showed the new management didn't make much of an impression. Especially since BioWare is known for its inclusive stories, and that didn't help dispel doubts,” said the former studio employee.

As an example, he cited a teaser trailer from which, according to him, they asked to remove a flag that looked too much like LGBT symbolism. Presumably, this was explained by a desire not to offend anyone.

The source did not specify exactly who made such a demand or whether the developers complied. It is also unknown whether the new management's stance influenced the plot, characters, or other elements of the game.

The story emerged amid a change in Electronic Arts’ ownership. The company announced a deal to sell to a consortium of investors that includes Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (PIF). Under the published terms of the deal, the fund is to receive a controlling stake in the company. The investment is also tied to Saudi Arabia’s strategy to reduce the economy’s dependence on oil.

Note that Electronic Arts officially canceled development of Mass Effect 5 — this became known on October 21, 2026, amid sweeping layoffs at the company and the closure of BioWare. The project, announced back in 2020 and being developed on Unreal Engine 5 under the direction of experienced developers, including narrative director Mary DeMarle, never made it to release. The news sparked a strong reaction from fans: petitions with the hashtag #SaveMassEffect appeared online, and voice actors and even composer Austin Wintory voiced support for the community by sharing materials created for the game.

Soon after, a trailer for the canceled game leaked online; it was apparently intended to be called Mass Effect Universe. The clip showed some of the ideas the team had been working on.