A Mass Effect 5 trailer, made using “pre-production assets”, appears to have leaked on Reddit following dev BioWare’s closure this week.

While it’s difficult to corroborate the validity of the footage, it does not initially appear to be AI. It was also reported by IGN earlier today that a new trailer for the game had been created internally.

The theory here is that an ex-staff member has “accidentally” misplaced the video file so that it could be watched by fans.

Assuming this is real, it’s incredibly early stuff – it even mentions that the project is being worked on by a “small team”. We know that the legendary studio was about 50 staff strong prior to its closure.

It’s possible BioWare may have made this video for N7 Day, which is an annual celebration of the Mass Effect franchise, scheduled for 7th November. It ends with a “coming soon” message, which makes sense, as we know the game was not close to release.

The title card also reveals the title could have been called Mass Effect Universe.

Writing on social media, Mass Effect writer Catherynne M. Valente said the studio was “working on a great game”. That will now never see the light of day.

But assuming this in-engine trailer is real, it should give you a taste of the direction the new Mass Effect may have taken.

For some fans, this may serve as salt in the wounds – but I think it’s better than the video remaining hidden on someone’s hard drive, never to be seen by the world.

[source reddit.com]