BioWare Montreal producer Fabrice Condominas has put the kabosh on any hopes Mass Effect fans had in stepping into Commander Shepard's shoes in future Mass Effect games.
While BioWare has not made no qualms in admitting that they want to continue making more games in the Mass Effect universe; it seems they're making it loud and clear that Commander Shepard is done…and so is his story.
In an interview with VG247, Condominas had this to say:
There is one thing we are absolutely sure of – there will be no more Shepard, and the trilogy is over.
So first, we don’t want to make ‘Shepard 2′, or Mass Effect 4 with like, ‘oh there’s no more Shepard but you’re a soldier in the universe’. So this will be a very, very different context for sure, and nothing has been decided on the rest.
Of course, this doesn't mean that BioWare has Mass Effect 4 or a Mass Effect prequel already lined up. On the contrary, Condominas admits that the idea of Commander Shepard not appearing in future Mass Effect games "is really our starting point," and adds, "at this point in time, we don’t even know what kind of time frame we’re going to be in. All we’re doing is more gathering ideas from the teams, gathering feedback to see several things."
Depending on the ending you got for Mass Effect 3, Commander Shepard might or might not be "strong" enough for future Mass Effect games. Although based from Condominas' statements, it doesn't matter either way.
Seeing as BioWare is this early in development for a new Mass Effect game, things could still change; though I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.
Do you think BioWare can continue the Mass Effect franchise without its iconic here? If so, what do you propose they do? Create a new protagonist or spin-off one of Mass Effect's major characters into their own adventure?
