In a panel today, “Charting a Course: Developing the Next Mass Effect”, at the San Diego Comic-Con, Bioware presented some of its ideas for the next Iteration of the franchise. The panelists were producer Mike Gamble, senior artist Noel Lukasewich, animator Carl Boulay, and was moderated by Nerdist’s Malik Forté.

Gamble mentioned that communication is important between the Edmonton and Montreal teams, and that time zone differences are sometimes a challenge. ”Developing a new entry in a series like this is extremely difficult,” said Gamble, mentioning that the audience’s expectations and their own creative ones are tough and important to meet.

“We want to bring an spiritual succesor [to Shephard's story].”

About the Frostbite engine, Boulay said that it helps them work way better than before. “And on the art side, it’s prettier.” said Lukasewich. The team showed conceptual images of the game, and promised that they have worked on more than just pictures.

“It’s actually a text adventure”, they joked.

The panelists emphasized that the images and video they showcased were works in progress.

A short concept video of the Mako showcased a really great new version of the vehicle (meaning, it’s actually maneuverable). The Mako drove around an ice planet, which looked great. The draw distance on it was incredible.

The team is still playing with the physics and, among other things, the inclusion of thrusters is still in question.

Afterwards, there was a Q&A section.

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