“I Got Close To 30 DMs/Emails” – Palworld Lead Bucky Says Fans Urged Pocketpair to Buy Mass Effect From EA After BioWare Shutdown

Fans of BioWare’s science fiction RPG franchise have approached Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, asking it to purchase the rights to Mass Effect from Electronic Arts (EA). The requests followed the announcement that BioWare would close and development on its next Mass Effect project would end.

John “Bucky” Buckley, Pocketpair’s head of communications and publishing, discussed the situation in a post on X on October 22, 2026. According to Buckley, he received nearly 30 direct messages and emails from fans urging the company to acquire the franchise in just one day.

“I got close to 30 DMs/emails from fans about buying Mass Effect in the last day,”

Buckley explained in a response to another user.

The comments highlight how strongly fans want the beloved RPG series to continue, even if that means another developer takes responsibility for its future.

BUCKY EXPLAINS WHY BUYING GAME FRANCHISES IS DIFFICULT

Buckley also explained that fans frequently ask Pocketpair to purchase popular gaming franchises whenever a studio closes or a project gets canceled. However, acquiring an established intellectual property is considerably more complicated than fans might assume.

“ The reality is, in my experience at least, the IP holders often have absolutely no interest in selling and when they do, the asking price is absurd,”

Buckley wrote in his post on X.

He added that companies may attempt to purchase or license existing franchises, but negotiations cannot progress if the rights holders refuse to cooperate.

Interestingly, Buckley suggested that Jade Empire would interest him more than Mass Effect. The comment offers a look into his personal preferences, although it does not indicate that Pocketpair is pursuing an acquisition.

WILL POCKETPAIR BUY MASS EFFECT FROM EA?

Despite the growing interest among fans, there is no indication that Pocketpair intends to acquire Mass Effect. Electronic Arts has not announced plans to sell the franchise, and Buckley’s comments do not suggest that negotiations are underway.

The situation follows a major setback for BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age. In an official statement published on October 21, 2026, BioWare confirmed its closure and the end of early development on the next Mass Effect project.

Although fans hope another company might eventually revive the franchise, transferring ownership would require the rights holder’s cooperation and an agreement on the acquisition terms.

For now, Mass Effect fans will have to wait for further developments. Buckley’s response has acknowledged their enthusiasm, but the possibility of Pocketpair taking over the franchise remains speculation rather than a confirmed plan.