Another former Mass Effect lead’s studio is facing funding issues as Worlds Untold ‘pauses operations’

Worlds Untold, the NetEase-backed studio led by Mass Effect writer Mac Walters, is “pausing operations” until a new funding partner can be found.

In a statement, Walters, who previously served as a senior developer on both the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series, said that employees at his recently founded studio will be free to explore new opportunities as Worlds Untold seeks new funding opportunities.

“It’s hard to find the right words for this, but I wanted to share that we’ve made the very difficult decision to pause operations at Worlds Untold while we search for a new partner to help bring our vision to life,” Walters said in a statement. “This was not a decision we made lightly—it’s been a deeply personal journey, and we’re all so proud of everything this team has built together.”

Worlds Untold announced last year that it was making a “triple-a action-adventure game with an emphasis on narrative.”

Walters continued: “In the meantime, our incredible team members will be exploring new opportunities. If you’re looking for passionate, talented professionals, please reach out – I’d be honored to connect you with some of the best people I’ve ever worked with.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for everyone involved, but I’m deeply grateful for the support of our partners, friends and family, and for the time we’ve had together at Worlds Untold. While we’re pausing for now, this isn’t goodbye—there’s more to come, and we look forward to sharing the next chapter with you when the time is right.”

Worlds Untold was founded as a “fully remote game studio” with a base in Vancouver, Canada.

Walters was a prominent member of BioWare for nearly 20 years. Initially joining the company in 2003, he was a writer on Jade Empire before becoming a senior writer on the original Mass Effect.

He was later lead writer on Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, narrative director on Anthem, creative director on Mass Effect Andromeda and project director on Mass Effect Legendary Edition.

Earlier this week it was also announced that Humanoid Origin, the studio led by former BioWare general manager Casey Hudson, will be shutting down due to an unexpected shortfall of funding.