Before a store update changed its item description, a new Mass Effect lithograph from BioWare Gear seemed to suggest that Commander Shepard may return in the franchise's next mainline installment. BioWare and Electronic Arts launched the first teaser trailer for an all-new Mass Effect entry during the 2020 Game Awards ceremony, showing just a glimpse at the Milky Way galaxy post-Reaper invasion. The final few moments of the trailer garnered the most attention, given the brief appearance of fan-favorite character Liara T'Soni. If Liara survived the galaxy-shifting Reaper attack, Mass Effect faithful can't help but wonder if other heroes similarly lived to tell the tale.

EA and BioWare remain mum on the matter, though. In fact, apart from the occasional art piece, little else from the new title has been shown since the late 2020 reveal. Even the vaguest of details about the story remain under lock and key, too. However, fan theories posit new fourth mainline Mass Effect adventure may find some way to connect the original trilogy with the events of Mass Effect: Andromeda, which followed a crew of human and alien colonists as they attempted to settle in the Andromeda galaxy.

Related: How to Get the Perfect Ending in Mass Effect 3

On May 9, BioWare Gear added a new item to the shop - a lithograph of the Mass Effect poster shared on N7 Day 2021. The $45 dollar art piece will undoubtedly turn a few heads, yet the most interesting detail comes courtesy of the product's original item description. YouTuber MrHulthen managed to capture a screenshot that shows the lithograph's first product description reading as follows: "While Shepard and the survivors are left to pick up the pieces, fans are left wondering what's next." As noted by VGC, the page for the recently released Mass Effect lithograph no longer mentions Commander Shepard at all. It seems, then, that BioWare may have unintentionally hinted at Commander Shepard's return to the spotlight in Mass Effect's next major outing.

The item description goes on to mention that a Krogan leads a four-member team in the N7 Day 2021 poster. It also teases the "five surprises" that fans should keep an eye out for while studying the stunning piece of art. Of course, the since-removed detail about Commander Shepard inarguably counts as the most fascinating aspect of the BioWare Gear page, though. Shepard's name and subsequent erasure suggest Mass Effect faithful haven't seen the last of the famous N7 operative.

If the initial write-up doesn't constitute mere human error and Shepard is poised to return in BioWare's new Mass Effect title, one question now demands an answer. How exactly will the Commander be revived following the devastating Reaper invasion in Mass Effect 3? It's possible Cerberus' Lazarus Project had long-lasting effects on Commander Shepard's survivability.

Next: Mass Effect Legendary Edition Mod Lets Shepard Save Both Ashley And Kaidan

Source: BioWare Gear, MrHulthen/YouTube (via VGC)