With EA having put itself into billions of debt, a reader is worried what will happen to Mass Effect and developer BioWare, and if the studio can survive by going independent.

So everything to do with this EA ‘buyout’ seems absolutely awful. I agreed completely with GC’s excellent feature on the sale and the general state of the games industry today, and the terrible people who are in charge of it. Too many gamers don’t care as long as good games keep coming, but that is going to stop soon enough the way publishers are carrying on.

EA has said it’s going to make cuts, at least $125 million, which is going to mean whole teams going, not just the odd person here and there. There have been rumours, which I believe most people now seem to think are false, that BioWare are on the chopping block. But I wish they were.

Not to lay off the developers, obviously, but if EA were to sell off BioWare, the way Microsoft has with Double Fine, that would be such a relief to me. The idea of BioWare being independent again, or at least owned by a company that isn’t run by psychopaths (are there any of those?), would be a dream come true for me, and I’m sure any Mass Effect fan.

It’s very obvious EA is never going to make another Dragon Age game after the disaster that was The Veilguard, but officially they’re still doing a new Mass Effect. They’ve never really offered much proof that they are and, like The Elder Scrolls 6, it always seems to be two or three years away, no matter when you ask, but I think the chances of it ever coming out now, when EA are desperate to make back $20 billion (!) in debt is basically zero.

I was slightly optimistic when there was talk of a TV show and Henry Cavill seemed to be attached but that never came to anything, which is where I suspect EA’s interest in putting any real money into making more disappeared.

The problem with Mass Effect, from EA’s point of view, I think, is that it’s loved by many, but it’s not quite big enough. It’s successful and makes money… but not that much money. I think the remaster trilogy was a bit confusing for EA because it was successful but, again, not huge – so it didn’t really make it obvious whether they should do a new one or not.

I feel there’s a lot of video games like that, where they’re technically triple-A but they’re not the A-list. They’re not Assassin’s Creed or God Of War, they’re popular and there’s merch and everything, but they’re a step below that.

There’s probably a small chance that EA tries to make a show of pumping money into new projects, like Mass Effect, to show that debt isn’t going to be a problem. But I think that’s probably a longshot, and even if it’s not how long is that attitude going to last? That amount of debt is going to be around for years and no one’s going to pretend that a proper Mass Effect 4 is going to make it back for them.

The only real answer I can see, as a fan, is for them to leave EA and set-up on their own or with someone that really wants to bring Mass Effect to the next level. I don’t know the chances of that, but I feel the chances of a lot of layoffs at BioWare, very soon, is approaching 100%.

I remember back in the late 2000s/early 2010s when BioWare was one of the biggest, most respected developers out there. But after Mass Effect 3 and Dragon Age: Inquisition it’s all been downhill and, to be honest, I’m surprised EA hasn’t tried to shut them down before this.

A change like this is at least a chance for something good to happen but I’m not sure how optimistic I am about that. I fear that one of my favourite franchises and developers is now on borrowed time.

By reader Gambon

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

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The Met Office has forecast a fifth UK heatwave with temperatures set to reach 36C in East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday.

Parts of the UK are bracing for a fifth heatwave next week, with temperatures forecast to soar as high as 33C on Sunday.

Yellow heat health alerts came into force at 9am on Saturday as the mercury climbed throughout the day, hitting up to 28C across the South and South East, and reaching 27C across much of central England.

According to the Met Office, Sunday will bring spells of rain to Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, with isolated showers possible in the South East.

However, the rest of the country will remain largely dry and sunny, with most people experiencing temperatures well into the high 20s.

With yet another heatwave on the horizon, health officials have issued warnings about the risks of taking certain medicines in hot weather, including ibuprofen, as they can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated, regulate temperature or cope with sun exposure.

Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said: “Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, have also been linked to a very low risk of a lupus-like skin reaction triggered by sun exposure, and common painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may also increase sun sensitivity.”

The Met Office warned that southern and south-eastern regions could see the mercury climb into the 30s, with the South East potentially reaching a scorching 33C. According to the Fire Severity Index, any wildfires that break out on Sunday across almost all of east and south-east England are likely to be exceptionally severe.

“Exceptional” severity represents the index’s highest possible rating.

The Met Office data, which takes into account rainfall, temperature and humidity, is used by agencies to assess how severe a fire could become should one ignite. It does not, however, indicate the likelihood of wildfires breaking out.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.

These yellow heat health alerts are set to remain in place until 9pm on Tuesday.

They caution that the scorching weather is likely to impact the wellbeing of the general public and place additional strain on healthcare services.

The Met Office has warned that heatwave conditions are expected to return next week, with temperatures of up to 36C forecast in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday.

Two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June resulted in more than 2,800 excess deaths, while two further heatwaves in July have contributed to drought and wildfires.

The National Trust is urging people to sign a petition calling on the Government to make tackling climate change a national mission.

This follows a series of wildfires across the UK in recent weeks, with significant blazes recorded at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight, Llanwonno in the Rhondda Valleys, South Wales, and the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Reservoir levels across England have fallen to 69%, dropping from 72% the previous week and sitting nearly 12 percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year, the Environment Agency announced on Friday.

Levels stood at 85% at the end of June, which matched the typical average for that period, but have been steadily declining in recent weeks.

Five reservoirs are now classified as having “exceptionally low” levels: Blagdon in Somerset (54% full); Clywedog in Powys, which supplies water to central and north-west England (62%); the Dove group of reservoirs in Derbyshire (74%); Hanningfield in Essex (60%); and Wimbleball in Somerset (50%).

Last month was the driest July for England and Wales since records began in 1836, according to provisional data published by the Met Office.

Nineteen counties across England recorded virtually no rainfall – 1mm or less – throughout the entire month, Met Office figures reveal.

It comes after a previous fire at the same nature reserve at the end of July

Firefighters have been called to a blaze at a Cambridgeshire nature reserve, less than two weeks after a separate fire. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue are tackling a fire in the Holme Fen Nature Reserve on Saturday, August 8.

The fire service is receiving multiple calls regarding reports of the blaze. A spokesperson has urged the public to avoid the area so crews can carry out their work.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue said: “We currently have crews in attendance at a fire in the open on Holme Fen in Holme.”

On Monday, July 27, more than 40 firefighters were called to a blaze in the Holme Fen Nature Reserve at around 3.22pm. Firefighters arrived at a blaze in the woodland. A fire spokesperson said: “At 3.22pm on Monday, crews were called to a fire in the open on Holme Fen in Holme.

“More than 40 firefighters, including crews from Stanground, Chatteris, Dogsthorpe, Whittlesey, Huntingdon, Thorney and Manea, along with a specialist 4×4 vehicle from Thorney, the water carrier from Ramsey and a crew from Oundle in Northamptonshire, attended the incident.”

The cause of the fire that started on July 27 was confirmed as deliberate. Firefighters spent five days tackling the huge blaze.

The Government has been criticised for failing to roll out osteoporosis screening clinics in England – after it was revealed that NHS Wales has done so with ‘relatively little investment’.

Since 2024, The Mail on Sunday and the Royal Osteoporosis Society have campaigned for full access across the UK to these bone-thinning clinics to help prevent life-changing fractures.

Osteoporosis, the advanced form of osteopenia primarily affects women and is often not picked up until serious injuries occur – which is why experts say screening is crucial.

When the War On Osteoporosis campaign began, osteoporosis screening was available in all NHS hospitals in Scotland and Northern Ireland – but not England and Wales.

Prior to the 2024 General Election, the Government committed to funding full access to osteoporosis screening across the country but has failed to take any action since.

Now The Mail on Sunday can reveal that these clinics are in all hospitals in Wales, leaving England as the only home nation to not have full access.

The Wales clinics were set up by Dr Inderpal Singh, a geriatrician and NHS Wales lead for bone health, who was able to get the service off the ground with just over £1million in funding and 24 new staff.

Since these clinics, known as fracture liaison services, were set up, the number of osteoporosis diagnoses in Wales has risen by 191 per cent.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society says the achievement shows the Government could cheaply and quickly roll out these clinics across England.

‘Dr Singh and his colleagues have shown what can be achieved when a government backs its promises with action,’ says Ruth Wakeman, director of services at the Royal Osteoporosis Society.

‘In Wales, a relatively small investment in fracture liaison services has helped drive a 191 per cent increase in the number of patients identified through these services. Over the same period, England has seen an increase of 3 per cent, with progress effectively flatlining. Fracture liaison services are one of the smartest investments the NHS can make.

‘They prevent life-changing fractures, help people stay independent, reduce pressure on hospitals and social care and typically pay for themselves within 18 to 24 months.

‘Very few NHS interventions deliver such a big return for such modest cost.’

The Royal Osteoporosis Society estimates 2,500 people die every year in Britain from the debilitating effects of preventable hip fractures.

After the campaign by the MoS and Royal Osteoporosis Society was launched, then shadow health secretary Wes Streeting made a pre-election promise to end a postcode lottery and have a universal fracture liaison service by 2030. However, since then, the Government has failed to publish a plan to fund and build the clinics.

Dr Singh developed a computer program that identifies patients in Welsh hospitals who have suffered a fracture and refers them to a fracture liaison clinic.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society and The Mail on Sunday are urging Health Secretary Yvette Cooper to deliver on pre-election promises to fund nationwide screening by 2030

He says this means that the system does not rely on busy clinicians referring patients themselves. Patients then undergo a bone-density test, called a DEXA scan.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society says that the new Health Secretary Yvette Cooper should take inspiration from Dr Singh’s work.

‘Yvette Cooper has inherited an important commitment that could transform care for millions of people, particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis,’ says Ms Wakeman. ‘Wales has shown what is possible with clear leadership, a practical plan and relatively little investment.

‘We look forward to working with her as the new Health Secretary to bring the same pace and purpose to England.’

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: ‘We remain committed to rolling out fracture liaison services by 2030, as set out in our 10 Year Health Plan.

‘We’re also taking action in the meantime by investing in 20 new state-of-the-art DEXA scanners across the country, building on the first wave of 13 last year.’

It has been reported this week that Rashford – said to be on wages of £325,000 a week – will earn an extra £4m this season if he stays at United due to a contract clause related to their qualification for the Champions League, while another clause that made him available for any club bar Manchester City or Liverpool to sign for £40m was said to have expired last month.

Kielder is home to England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe.

There are miles of walking trails to follow where you will be able to spot a range of wildlife, as well as centres where you can get up close to birds and fish.

The forest is also packed with cafés and pubs to stop at if you need a break from exploring.

What can I do at Kielder?

The Kielder website says: “With miles of picturesque walking trails and dedicated off-road cycling, there’s an adventure for everyone – from leisurely family strolls to adrenaline-fuelled rides through the forest.

“It is a haven for wildlife, boasting 50% of England’s red squirrel population, alongside ospreys, wild goats, roe deer, salmon, otters, and water voles.

“Known for having the darkest night skies in England, Kielder is a dream destination for stargazers and is home to the Kielder Observatory.

“There’s also contemporary art and architecture to see and there are some lovely places to eat and drink.

“Whether you’re here for a day trip, a weekend break, or an extended stay, there’s something truly special about Kielder.”

As well as cycling and walking, there are loads of outdoor activities to get involved in that all the family will love.

You can try axe throwing, abseiling, and disc golf alongside taking on the high ropes course and Kielder ZipCoaster.

If you prefer to try some water sports, you can go sailing, canoeing, or water skiing.

The Kielder Observatory is worth visiting if you want to go stargazing and has plenty of events running throughout the year.

If you need a coffee to keep you going through the day, there are multiple cafés to stop at and enjoy a slice of cake, including The Café at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre and the Falstone Tearoom.

There are restaurants dotted throughout the forest, including The Pheasant Inn, which is known for its bistro-style food, and The Forest Bar and Kitchen, which offers pub dishes.

If you want to extend your stay in the forest, you can choose from B&Bs, hotels, lodges, and campsites depending on the experience you want.

Have you ever visited Kielder before? Let us know in the comments.

UEFA confirmed on Saturday a “departure payment” was made to a female employee alleged to have been in a relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during his time as UEFA general secretary.

FIFA has lashed out at “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the governing body and president Gianni Infantino following allegations concerning his behaviour at UEFA.

UEFA confirmed on Saturday that a “departure payment” was made to a female employee who was allegedly in a relationship with Infantino during his tenure as the European organisation’s general secretary – an allegation Infantino denies.

It was reported that the woman received a six-figure settlement and UEFA confirmed a payment was made alongside covering the costs for an MBA course, stating it was “in line” with regulations at the time.

The allegations pile further pressure on Infantino, who spent 16 years at UEFA and served as its general secretary between 2009 and 2016 before being elected FIFA president, following his failed attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

While not directly addressing UEFA’s statement, FIFA accused Infantino’s detractors of attempting to diminish his authority and force him from his position without a proper re-election process.

A lengthy statement said: “It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president.

“Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.

“Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its president. Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true.

“The FIFA president has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and world football, contributing to significant change in the game and, in particular, to broadening access, resources and opportunity across world football.

“Change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA’s president or the institution he was elected to lead.

“FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress. Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously.

“FIFA’s responsibility is to its 211 member associations and to football around the world. We will not be distracted or diverted from strengthening the organisation, delivering for our member associations and continuing the work of making football truly global. Through the FIFA president and the FIFA administration, our focus remains firmly on that mission, and we are more determined than ever to fulfil it.”

Infantino’s controversial proposal was rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations. On Wednesday, Infantino received the backing of FIFA’s management board following a meeting held in Morocco, and issued an apology over the manner in which the process was handled.

UEFA’s threat to have its 55 member nations boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was abandoned remains firmly in place, with the European confederation stating on Thursday that Wednesday’s announcement “changes nothing”.

Following the Daily Telegraph’s claims on Friday, a FIFA spokesperson was reported to have told the newspaper that Infantino “strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations”.

A UEFA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for a MBA course at a local business school.

“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.

“Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations – which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level – reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organisation.”

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox failed in their bid for a second winning streak of 10 or more games in the same season, losing to the Athletics 7-3 on Saturday.

Boston recorded a franchise record-tying 15-game winning stretch, matching a mark from 1946, before it was stopped on July 22. The team’s attempt for a second streak of 10 or more games for the first time in the franchise’s 126-year history fell short against the A’s.

Gage Jump worked six strong innings, Tyler Soderstrom and Henry Bolte hit solo homers, and Jonah Heim and Donovan Walton added two-run doubles for the Athletics, who snapped a nine-game skid. The A’s hadn’t won since beating the Red Sox at home on July 28.

Jump (5-7) struck out a season-high 11 and allowed two runs and six hits.

Andruw Monasterio had a two-run single in the first inning for the Red Sox, whose nine-game run started the day after Jump earned a victory by pitching six scoreless innings.

Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras returned after missing two games with an illness, went 0 for 4 and was booed for jogging lightly on a ground out.

The Athletics’ bullpen, which entered with the majors’ highest ERA (5.64), allowed one run in the last three innings. Hogan Harris got the last four outs for his 10th save.

The Athletics erased a two-run deficit with a run in the fourth, two in the fifth and two in sixth.

Boston’s Jake Bennett (7-5) breezed through the first three innings, allowing only a walk. He was pulled with one out in the sixth and charged with four runs.

Brian Serven’s RBI single cut the Athletics’ deficit in half before Heim’s two-run single in the fifth put them ahead. Walton’s pinch-hit ground-rule double off reliever Justin Slaten into Boston’s bullpen added two more runs in the sixth.

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson matched the MLB record of 110 straight games without committing an error at the position. He is tied with the Baltimore Orioles’ Mike Bordick (2002).

Up next

Athletics RHP J.T. Ginn (8-6, 3.51 ERA) will start Sunday. The Red Sox haven’t announced a starter.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust are racing to raise £30 million to buy the entire 3,800-hectare Rothbury Estate, a 15-square-mile tract of former grouse moor, woodland, farmland, streams and rivers.

The estate, which includes the much-loved Simonside Hills already brought into conservation ownership in October 2024, is the largest area of land to be put on sale in England in decades and sits at the heart of a proposed 40-mile “wild corridor” stretching from the Northumberland coast to Kielder and the Scottish border.

Thanks to donations, pledges and philanthropic loans, more than £20.6m has now been raised or pledged towards the £30m target, with the appeal having passed the halfway mark earlier this year on the back of a £5m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Sir David Attenborough’s decision last year to champion the Rothbury Appeal triggered a surge in support, with hundreds of thousands of pounds donated in the days after his video message calling on the public to help secure what he described as a “huge, heart-shaped expanse of moorland, rivers, forest and upland in Northumberland” for nature and the nation.

Lordenshaw Hill Fort, Rothbury Estate (Image: The Wildlife Trusts)

This month’s push is being powered by a £100,000 match funding pledge from The Dixon Foundation and Newcastle-based tea company Ringtons.

Every donation made throughout August, including to the main Rothbury appeal page, will be doubled until the £100,000 pot is used up, meaning each £1 given becomes £2 for nature recovery at the estate.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust chief executive Mike Pratt said the appeal remains a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to secure a landscape-scale project for wildlife, people and heritage.

Work is already underway on the section of land that has already been purchased, with grassland recovery beginning, peatland restoration plans in development, and wildlife surveys and community partnerships expanding conservationists’ understanding of the site.

Supporters are being urged to donate in the coming weeks to ensure the rest of the Rothbury Estate is not broken up and sold off to multiple buyers, a scenario campaigners fear could see the land managed for profit rather than wildlife.

Donations can be made on The Wildlife Trusts’ Rothbury Estate appeal and the August match funding page via: www.wildlifetrusts.org/appeals/rothbury-estate-match-appeal-august-2026

There is much to see across the estate

Tucked away in the gorgeous Cambridgeshire countryside is a Grade II Listed country estate offering an atmosphere that easily feels as though you are stepping back in time. Longstowe Hall, the family home of William and Mercedes, is set amongst a 1,000-acre site.

Built in the 16th century, Longstowe Hall has become a popular spot amongst families and friends to indulge in a relaxing and wholesome day. The medieval estate houses a magnificent garden framed by ancient woodland and wildflowers to the east and historic parkland to the west. Lying at the centre of the landscape are the three main lakes within the estate.

There are also parts of Edwardian times with two set piece designs from that era. They run up to the hall on the west as well as the north sides of the hall. Visitors can enjoy the view of a range of flowers during different seasons such as tulips in the spring through to dahlias in the autumn. The estate is also known for spotting grazing sheep and lambs.

The breathtaking estate is only open to visitors on selected days, with its next opening on Sunday, August 9. It then reopens on Sunday, August 23. In September, the estate will be open on Sunday, 6 and Sunday, 20.

A statement on the Hall’s website said: “The stone balustraded rose garden is fully stocked with roses, set with box and lavender hedging. Encircling these features are the lawns with their specimen trees, including an outstanding cut leaf beech. Having such a mixture of habitats brings an abundance of wildlife that thrive in this tranquil environment.”

There is on-site parking for visitors alongside a charming café with tasty treats and an array of drinks. The Squash Court Café is open from 11am to 4pm.

Tickets must be pre-booked to enter the gardens. Admission costs £9.50 for adults and £4.50 for children between ages four and 16. Children under the age of four and Historic House members can enter for free.

With 4.8 out of five stars on Google, visitors can be assured to experience a spectacular day to remember. One person wrote on Google: “Absolutely beautiful gardens with lakes with a swan pair, cygnets and ducks. Tree collection is stunning, some incredible specimens.

“Herbaceous border and rose garden are glorious. Sitting in the courtyard of The Squash Court Café, a lovely spot in itself, you can have a rest and a tasty snack/cake and drink.”