The next Mass Effect would have had 'a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has been able to match', according to BioWare veteran

Tony de Waal, a cinematic supervisor at BioWare, described Mass Effect 4 as a project designed to deliver "a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has been able to match," emphasizing the studio's ambition to innovate within the franchise. He noted that around 50 team members were working on the game before its cancellation, reflecting BioWare's commitment to the project. De Waal highlighted the influence of competitors like Larian and CD Projekt, whose recent titles inspired BioWare to push boundaries while staying true to the Mass Effect trilogy's core identity.

De Waal, who worked on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, also detailed the challenges faced during the development of The Veilguard, BioWare's second project using EA and DICE's Frostbite engine. He called the effort "a herculean task" that pushed even seasoned developers to their limits, praising the team's ability to achieve high polish despite the engine's complexity.

The cancellation of Mass Effect 4 is part of a broader restructuring at EA following its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and two other firms. Over 400 employees have been laid off as EA shifts focus toward live service shooters and sports titles, marking a significant pivot in the publisher's strategy.

In a LinkedIn post, de Waal expressed disappointment over the cancellation, acknowledging the talent and dedication of the team that worked on Mass Effect 4. He also offered his expertise to potential employers, emphasizing his nearly three decades of experience in cinematic production and narrative realization.