A former BioWare employee has claimed that EA’s new management asked the studio to remove a flag from a presentation for the canceled Mass Effect Universe project because it looked “too much like the LGBTQIA+ flag.” The claim comes from an anonymous interview with French outlet BFM TV and has not been independently confirmed by EA or BioWare.

The employee said the developers’ video proposals failed to convince the new leadership, particularly because BioWare is known for inclusive storytelling. According to the report, the flag was described as an in-universe design rather than an actual pride flag, but management was concerned it could “offend.” The interview did not specify who made the request or whether BioWare ultimately complied.

The report has drawn attention because EA was acquired earlier this year by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and private equity firm Silver Lake. Many fans and LGBTQ+ advocates had already expressed concern about how the new ownership might affect EA’s creative direction.

EA properties including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and The Sims have long featured same-sex romance and inclusive representation. The report also points to a regional alteration of The Sims 2’s physical cover art in Saudi Arabia, where images of couples kissing were replaced with a more neutral lineup of characters.

Mass Effect Universe was the early-stage project BioWare was developing before EA canceled it and closed the studio as part of a broader round of layoffs. For many players, the series’ inclusive crew dynamics and romance options were central to its appeal, making the alleged request especially sensitive.

Because the claim comes from an anonymous source and concerns a canceled project, it should be treated as a report rather than confirmed policy. Still, it has intensified scrutiny of EA’s leadership and raised questions about whether inclusive creative decisions will face greater pressure under its new ownership.