Collectible figure maker Youtooz has announced three upcoming Mass Effect figures, offering a glimmer of official merchandise activity as the franchise faces an uncertain future. The company shared silhouettes of the new characters on social media, accompanied by a cryptic message hinting at their identities.
Based on the teased silhouettes and context clues, the three figures appear to be Mordin Solus, Joker, and Liara T'Soni. The accompanying quote—"I wish I had more time to study all of this"—aligns with dialogue from the original game, strengthening speculation that Liara will be among the releases. This would mark the first Youtooz figure for the Asari character, adding to the company's existing Mass Effect lineup that includes Garrus, Tali, Legion, and Wrex.
Youtooz typically releases full reveals and pre-order details shortly after teasing new figures through silhouettes. Given that the announcement arrived just days before November 7—widely recognized as N7 Day, the franchise's annual celebration—the company is expected to unveil the figures in their entirety on that date. Standard Youtooz figures typically retail for $29.99, though pricing for these specific releases has not been confirmed.
The timing of this release carries particular weight given recent developments in the Mass Effect franchise. BioWare, the studio behind the series, has closed, and the anticipated new Mass Effect game that fans had awaited for six years was canceled. These circumstances make the new merchandise announcement bittersweet for longtime fans.
Despite the studio's closure, the figures are still moving forward to release, likely because licensing agreements and manufacturing processes were established years in advance. EA, which owns the Mass Effect intellectual property, retains the ability to develop and release merchandise tied to the franchise. While the cancellation of the new game represents a significant setback, the company may continue exploring other avenues to leverage the IP.
A Mass Effect television series remains in active development, potentially providing a foundation for future merchandise and content. This ongoing project suggests that while the gaming side of the franchise has stalled, Mass Effect's presence in entertainment may continue in different forms. For collectors seeking these figures, securing them upon release may be prudent, as the uncertain state of the franchise could limit future official merchandise opportunities.
