Mass Effect fans have taken their campaign to save BioWare into Canadian politics, with an official parliamentary petition seeking government support to restore the studio as an independent company.
The initiative follows Electronic Arts' reported closure of BioWare and cancellation of its next Mass Effect game, which has prompted widespread opposition from the franchise's community.
Petition e-7898, launched by Canadian citizen Brendan Routh and supported by Member of Parliament Don Davies, has reportedly attracted more than 4,800 signatures.
That exceeds the 500 valid signatures required for a Canadian electronic petition to qualify for certification after its signing period closes.
Once certified and presented to Parliament, the petition would require a formal government response within 45 calendar days. However, the government would not be obligated to approve its proposals.
Canadian Petition Seeks Funding to Make BioWare Independent
The petition requests federal assistance to help BioWare separate from Electronic Arts and resume operations as an independent Canadian developer.
Its proposals include providing financial support for the studio to acquire independence and potentially regain control of its intellectual property.
It also calls for stronger protections for Canadian businesses and cultural institutions affected by foreign corporate decisions.
BioWare was founded in Edmonton, Alberta, and became internationally recognized for franchises including Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
Its founders, Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka, received the Order of Canada in 2018 for their contributions to the video game industry.
The petition argues that preserving BioWare would help protect an important part of Canada's cultural and technological history.
New Democratic Party politician Don Davies has supported the proposal, suggesting that former BioWare developers should receive an opportunity to acquire and operate the studio themselves with federal assistance.
However, such an arrangement would require significant funding and cooperation over ownership rights.
Mass Effect Petition Approaches 310,000 Signatures
The Canadian parliamentary effort is separate from the larger international campaign calling for BioWare's revival.
A Change.org petition supporting the studio is reportedly approaching 310,000 signatures as fans continue organizing around N7 Day, the annual Mass Effect celebration held on November 7.
The campaign follows reports that EA canceled its next Mass Effect project while directing resources toward Star Wars Battlefront 3.
Although the international petition demonstrates substantial public interest, the Canadian parliamentary petition has a more direct procedural route to an official government response.
That response cannot be required until the petition completes the necessary certification and parliamentary presentation process.
BioWare Documentary Will Examine the Studio's Final Years
A documentary titled Massive Effect: The BioWare Story has also been announced for 2027.
Created by filmmakers Shane Fennessey and Adam Scorgie, the project reportedly began filming two years before BioWare's closure.
The documentary will examine the studio's history and its final years, including interviews and footage recorded before the shutdown.
It is expected to air on Canada's Super Channel.
For now, the parliamentary petition represents a new development in the effort to preserve BioWare.
Whether Canadian authorities will consider financial intervention remains uncertain, but the campaign has created a formal opportunity for the government to address concerns about the studio's closure and its impact on Canada's gaming industry.
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