The Mass Effect sci-fi RPG subgenre has been in a slump, according to toy giant Hasbro, but the company believes its new game, Exodus, can change that. Chris Cocks, the boss of Hasbro, thinks there's a big need in the marketplace for a sci-fi RPG, and he's confident that Exodus will fill that gap. The game is being developed by Archetype Entertainment, a studio owned by Dungeons & Dragons company Wizards of the Coast, which is in turn owned by Hasbro. Archetype was founded by former BioWare veterans, including James Ohlen, who led design on games like Knights of the Old Republic, and Exodus is being written by Mass Effect's lead writer, Drew Karpyshyn. This has led to comparisons between Exodus and Mass Effect, which is understandable given their similar looks, feel, and sensibilities, including the music and colorful aesthetic. However, it's important to note that there are significant differences, particularly in terms of time dilation.
Exodus is part of Hasbro's billion-dollar push into video games, which includes other studios like Invoke, which is making a D&D action game called Warlock. Cocks mentioned the lack of a good sci-fi RPG in recent years, stating that it's even more true in 2026 than it was in 2018. He believes there's a big need in the marketplace for such a game, and the fan response to Exodus supports this. While it's a bold and risky bet, Cocks is optimistic about its success, as he gets to play the game and is pleased with its progress. Exodus is set to release in early 2027, with Archetype drip-feeding short snippets of gameplay every week.
The game features cover-based combat, dialogue choices, and exploration using a grappling hook and special abilities. It will also star Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey. However, Exodus isn't the only Mass Effect-like game in development. Owlcat Games, the developer of Pathfinder CRPG and Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader, is working on The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, which also features cover-based combat, squad mates, branching dialogue, and romance. This game is set for release next spring and has received encouraging feedback from players.
Despite the lack of a Mass Effect game since Andromeda in 2017, which didn't fully satisfy the itch left by Mass Effect 3 in 2012, players can look forward to two sci-fi RPGs coming out soon. This development suggests a resurgence in the sci-fi RPG subgenre, with Hasbro's Exodus and Owlcat Games' The Expanse: Osiris Reborn leading the way. The industry is responding to the demand for these games, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in the market.
