Will Commander Shepard be in 'Mass Effect: Andromeda'? [Release Date, Gameplay & Rumors]

Commander Shepard has been a mainstay in the "Mass Effect" series. He's considered by a number of fans as the face of the game. As such, it would be unimaginable to have him disappear from the next title, which, according to rumors, may be the case in "Mass Effect: Andromeda."

"BioWare's senior development director Chris Wynn has recently responded to fan criticisms about the company's decision to leave Commander Shepard out of the upcoming 'Mass Effect: Andromeda,'" Game Rant said. "Wynn replied on Twitter that the space-themed action RPG series doesn't necessarily require the character in order to be a success."

"Be open minded to a Mass Effect with no Shepard, it can be good," Wynn's tweet read earlier this month.

Perhaps the early warning may serve the title some good, as it can give fans some time to grapple with the fact that "Mass Effect 4" will be Shepard-less.

However, die-hard admirers of the game may find this good reason to diss the company for saying goodbye to the popular character. Will it be reason enough for them not to get the fourth "Mass Effect" altogether?

"A probable reason for why Shepard will not be in 'Mass Effect Andromeda' is that the game is expected to take place in a time period that is far removed from the original trilogy," Christian Today noted. "Still, there could be references made to Commander Shepard made in the upcoming game, considering his role in the franchise."

Shepard's non-return to the upcoming "Mass Effect" iteration has already been buzzed about months prior, as BioWare had hinted that his presence would be irrelevant in part four's storyline. Also, come to think of it, Commander Shepard's character was customizable and, hence, can be configured to suit players' preferences. He could, in essence, be anybody, even female.

Interestingly, can be recalled that Jonathan Cooper, who used to be the animation lead for the the first two "Mass Effect" titles, revealed earlier this year that Commander Shepard was "originally a woman," according to Polygon.

"He did the first animation test for the character that would become the protagonist of the 'Mass Effect' series," the site said, adding that a 3-second animation associated with the character showed a model turning while jogging forward. "The character is clearly a woman," Polygon pointed out.

Although the Commander can be customized as female in the game, he's been generally thought of as a male character.

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