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BioWare Sells New N7 Day Merchandise Despite Studio Closure
ReBioWare Sells New N7 Day Merchandise Despite Studio Closure
Bioware's official store continues to release new Mass Effect merchandise, including the N7 LED helmet, even though the studio has closed and the fifth installment of the game has reportedly been cancelled.
Bioware's studio has closed, and the fifth Mass Effect installment has reportedly been cancelled, yet the company's official store continues to release new merchandise for N7 Day. Traditionally, this day is dedicated to the franchise's history and announcements of future projects, and this year fans received mainly merchandise rather than news about new games.
The main new release is the N7 LED helmet, an updated version of the 2020 replica. The helmet has a soft lining and a weathered finish, and its lighting switches between the blue of Paragon and the red of Renegade, referencing the choices players make throughout the trilogy. It is available for pre-order at $174.99, and no release date has been announced yet. The package includes a weighted stand, a plaque, and a challenge coin. Other new items include N7 sneakers and a t-shirt featuring Garrus. In addition, the store is offering discounts on existing caps, sweaters, and statues. The merchandise is produced by DPI Merchandise, a longtime Bioware partner, which means production ties have been maintained even after the studio's closure.
The studio's closure has caused widespread public reaction. The "Save Mass Effect" petition has gathered more than 300,000 signatures, and rumors continue to circulate around an alleged Mass Effect 5 trailer that appeared after the closure news. According to reports, Electronic Arts, which was acquired by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners for $55 billion, reportedly chose Star Wars Battlefront 3 over the Mass Effect 5 project. A documentary about Bioware's final years, intended to show the studio's inner history during its closure, has also been announced.
Alongside the sales, GameSpot reports that the studio Moor-Art is preparing limited Mass Effect art prints for N7 Day. Pre-orders will open on Friday, November 6. Artist Matt Essome is releasing his work in an edition of 200 copies, while Dan Mumford created a poster for the second game in two versions, featuring Shepard and FemShep. Each version is limited to 150 hand-numbered prints and 30 giclée prints. Both designs are also available on t-shirts, allowing fans to choose between a collectible print and more everyday clothing.
The release of new merchandise amid the studio's closure has drawn criticism from fans, who described the BioWare Gear sale as being out of touch with the community's mood. Canadian fans, meanwhile, are calling on lawmakers to help save the studio, and this campaign is ongoing amid uncertainty about the franchise's future.
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Source: Mass Effect Is Dead, But the Official Bioware Store Is Still Releasing New Merch for N7 Day