Skip to main content

Four new Mass Effect novels will chart the path to ‘Andromeda’

four new mass effect novels will chart the path to andromeda 4 8
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Next year’s Mass Effect: Andromeda will act as a continuation of the popular sci-fi RPG franchise, set centuries after the events of Mass Effect 3. Now, there’s word that game publisher Electronic Arts (EA) has commissioned Titan Books to produce four new novels that will span the gap.

“The novels will act as prequels and sequels to the events in the games and will become part of the overarching Mass Effect saga,” according to a press release from Titan Books. “They will focus on key characters and answer the many questions fans have been asking.”

The first book of the quartet will be written by N.K. Jemisin, the author of Hugo and Nebula Award nominee The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. The novel will be subtitled Initiation, and is set to release this August — several months before Mass Effect: Andromeda is scheduled to launch.

Two more novels will follow in March and September 2017, although there’s very little detail on them at this point. No title or even an author has been confirmed at this point, according to a report from Eurogamer.

The final novel of the four will be written by Mac Walters, the creative director of Andromeda and a writer for the Mass Effect series since its inception. Walters has previously worked on various comic book adaptations of the franchise, including Foundation and Evolution.

The fourth book will release in March 2018, a full year after Andromeda is set to hit shelves. Given this timing and the fact that Walters is at the helm, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this novel tease where the franchise is headed next.

After a few years out of the spotlight, it seems that EA is preparing to bring Mass Effect back in a big way. Here’s hoping that the content of these novels steers clear of the pitfalls that produced such a disappointing end to the original trilogy.

Editors' Recommendations

Brad Jones
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…
BioWare reportedly in early stages of developing next Mass Effect game
bioware early stages next mass effect andromeda ryder

The next Mass Effect game is reportedly in development at BioWare, though fans of the space RPG should not expect to get their hands on it any time soon.

The rumor comes from Kotaku's Jason Schreier, in his report that claims BioWare and Electronic Arts are planning a major overhaul for Anthem. The changes, which may come as one large update or a series of smaller ones, will reportedly include the structure of missions, the loot system, and the third-person shooter's world itself.

Read more
Mass Effect skins breathe new life into Anthem — for a limited time
Mass Effect in Anthem

As part of BioWare’s annual Mass Effect celebration, N7 Day, the developer is now offering four themed Javelin skins in Anthem. You’ll also find a new emote within the in-game store along with a Mass Effect: Andromeda-themed wrap. You can grab these items until November 12.

For starters, the new Storm Javelin skin resembles Dr. Liara T’Soni from Mass Effect 3, an Asari researcher focusing on Prothean technology. Meanwhile, the new Ranger Javelin skin resembles Garrus Vakarian from the same game, a Turian and formerly part of C-Sec’s Investigation Division.

Read more
3 Xbox Game Pass games you need to play this weekend (May 3-5)
Senua in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice.

Another weekend is upon us, and you're probably looking for some games to kill time with over the course of it. We're in a bit of a lull right now ahead of a flurry of releases starting next week, so it's a great time to dip back into the Xbox Game Pass catalog and check out some games that you may have missed. There are three games in particular that I think you should check out this weekend if you're looking for something to play.

One is an unsettling adventure that's getting an Xbox-exclusive sequel later this month. The next is a finely animated roguelike indie that recently made its way to Microsoft's gaming subscription service. Finally, there's a relaxing adventure that gives players a lot of freedom, yet is short enough to beat in a weekend. If you're having trouble deciding what to play this weekend, give one of these games a shot.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Read more