BioWare surveys fans for Mass Effect 4 input

Mass Effect developer BioWare has issued a new survey for fans of the series, which asks for your input on what elements the next Mass Effect game should highlight.

The questionnaire, posted on Twitter by Mass Effect producer Michael Gamble, asks you how familiar you are with the Mass Effect series and what aspects of the new game you're most looking forward to - its story, exploration, combat or customisation possibilities.

Another question asks which RPG activities you think are most important - levelling, optimising kit and skills, customising your appearance, comparing yourself against friends, exploring different worlds, exploring alternative story outcomes or engaging in combat.

It's likely that the game's core structure is already nailed down - an autumn release next year is looking increasingly likely - so your responses may be designed to shape the game's upcoming marketing.

BioWare showed the first concept images of the game during its annual N7 Day celebrations last year. A glimpse at in-engine footage followed at E3 last month.

The title will be set in "a whole new region of space", but familiar elements and races will remain.

With Dragon Age: Inquisition due to launch this October, BioWare will soon turn its full attention to the next Mass Effect chapter. More details are expected to be revealed as soon as the end of this month, during a special Mass Effect panel at San Diego Comic-Con.

The hour-long panel, titled "Charting a Course: Developing the Next Mass Effect" will be held on Saturday, 26th July and see BioWare discuss its work continuing the franchise.

"Panelists [will] share their experiences in shaping the next Mass Effect game with new possibilities while staying true to the critically acclaimed series," BioWare has revealed.

Perhaps they'll also discuss that new Doctor Who character who looks suspiciously like Garrus.