Mass Effect 5 – BioWare Could Try to Make “A More Bethesda-Style Game”, Says Former Skyrim Lead

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The next Mass Effect game is expected to have a similar serious feel and realistic graphics as the original trilogy, but details are scarce. BioWare is currently focusing all its efforts on this game, though it likely won’t be released until 2029. As fans discuss how to revitalize the series, Bruce Nesmith, a former lead designer of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, suggests BioWare consider a similar approach to Bethesda.

Honestly, as a gamer, I think the next Mass Effect should really lean into that open-world, Bethesda-style gameplay. Mass Effect fans are craving a huge, sprawling sci-fi world to explore, packed with content. I mean, I used to work at Bethesda, so maybe I’m biased, but I think that’s exactly what the series needs right now!

Just to be clear, that was only one idea. Other suggestions focused on updating the gameplay, which Nesmith felt seemed outdated.

I’m hoping they’ll build a new game using the existing story and characters. One common criticism of Mass Effect was that the gameplay felt outdated, even though the characters and stories were excellent. If they can take what made the series great and update it with modern gameplay, I think they could create something truly special.

Critically and commercially successful role-playing game Baldur’s Gate 3 is also being looked at for inspiration. One suggestion is that Mass Effect could benefit from lessons learned from Baldur’s Gate 3, as the Mass Effect games already share a similar style. Larian Studios, the developers of Baldur’s Gate 3, were able to leverage their experience and engine from the Divinity and Divinity 2 games to create it.

Nesmith has mentioned Baldur’s Gate 3 as a great example for game design before. During a recent interview, he suggested that Bethesda could improve the choices players make in the next Fallout game by looking at how Baldur’s Gate 3 handles them.

The next Mass Effect game will probably feature choices that significantly impact the story, and companions with complex, personal storylines – they’ll react to your actions and could become either strong allies or bitter enemies. This was a key part of BioWare’s previous games, like Dragon Age: Origins. The big challenge now is how BioWare can build on that successful formula and update the gameplay to appeal to modern gamers.

It will likely be some time before we get updates, but development appears to be moving forward. BioWare recently advertised a position for a Production Director, someone to provide strong leadership for the game. You can find more details about the job posting here.

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2026-02-01 22:41