An ex-BioWare writer has said that the potential of the Mass Effect TV series “makes me cringe” at the mere thought. So, he’s not happy.
Ex-lead writer at BioWare David Gaider shared his thoughts regarding the news that a Mass Effect TV series might be on the way.
“I’m relieved to see that the Mass Effect/Amazon deal is for a potential TV series and not a movie,” tweeted Gaider. “Even so, the possibility (and likewise for Dragon Age) makes me cringe just a little, unlike many fans who appear… excited? Let me explain.”
Gaiden explains that one of the problems with the proposed TV series will have issues in regard to the protagonist. For example, in the game players get to pick their own male or female Shepard. Each Shepard can also be customised.
Furthermore, while the story of the Mass Effect trilogy follows almost the same path, players’ choice will impact their story and their ending. Sure, everyone will also get a similar outcome, but ultimately each player will have their Shepard and their story.
For starters, ME and DA have a custom protagonist. Meaning said TV show will need to pick whether said protagonist will be male or female. Boom, right off the bat you’ve just alienated a whole bunch of the built-in fan base who had their hopes up.
— David Gaider (@davidgaider) November 25, 2021
Secondly, those protagonists are designed to be a bit of a blank slate, one that the player fills out with their decisions. That’s not going to work for a passive medium. So, suddenly, the protagonist will have their own personality… and their own *story*. That will be weird.
— David Gaider (@davidgaider) November 25, 2021
New story or faithful retelling?
Gaiden goes on for quite a long thread expressing his thoughts and I mostly agree with what he has said. However, in my opinion, while the proposed Mass Effect TV is likely set in the same universe (so to speak), it could feature brand new characters. Perhaps it could tell a prequel or the events after the main trilogy from any number of its established characters.
Either way, it seems that this Mass Effect TV series is barely a proposal at this time and is a long way off from being produced. That’s if it gets produced at all.
What are your thoughts on the words from David Gaider? Let us know across our social media channels.
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