Help Shape ‘Mass Effect 4,’ Bioware Asks Fans What They Want From The Next Game

Mass Effect 4 Concept Art — Concept art for the next “Mass Effect” game Electronic Arts (https://www.facebook.com/masseffect)

It’s not often gamers get to contribute directly to the design process of a major videogame, much less a new entry in an established series. That’s what makes it all the more exciting that BioWare seem so open about soliciting fan feedback for “Mass Effect 4.” The team has once again approached fans to find out what they want from this next entry in the series.

BioWare Creative Director Mac Walters recently sent out a tweet asking fans what they they would like to see most in the next “Mass Effect.” The question came just a day after Walters himself tweeted that he had attended an internal meeting during which the team presented new features and revamped existing ones.

“Spring-Forward Poll: What new feature, system or gameplay would you add to the next “Mass Effect,” he asked.

As noted by Geek Snack, the responses came thick and fast, with Walters responding directly to a number of them. He responded positively to a suggestion that a feature similar to “Shadow of Mordor’s” Nemesis System should be implemented. Walters also seemed especially taken with the suggestion that players should be allowed to alter their appearance after the initial character creation screen, asking other fans if this was indeed a feature they’d like to see. Other suggestions included a “Nightmare” difficulty option, more diverse side activities, an increased number of outfits and hairstyles and much more.

This isn’t the first time BioWare has approached gamers directly to find out what they want from the next “Mass Effect” game. IGN reports that in 2012, now-departed Executive Producer Casey Hudson asked fans via twitter whether they’d be more interested in a “Mass Effect 4” that took place before the original trilogy or after the events portrayed.

Another request for fan feedback came in the form of a formal survey in July 2014. As noted by Eurogamer, the survey asked fans how familiar they were with the series, and what aspects of the game they were most looking forward to. The survey also gauged player interest in features like levelling up, character customisation, exploration, combat and alternative story scenarios.

With last year’s successful launch of “Dragon Age: Inquisition,” “Mass Effect 4” is currently top on BioWare’s list of things to do. No release date has been announced, but the team has stated the new game will take place in a new galaxy, and that original series star Shephard will not be returning.