BioWare's blockbuster RPG Mass Effect, which already delivers a fairly compelling narrative on its own, could see some time on the silver screen, according to a report in Variety. Reporter Ben Fritz claims that "numerous sources have confirmed that producer Avi Arad has optioned the rights" from publisher Electronic Arts.

Arad is known most recently for his work as the head of Marvel's movie business, where he built up solid comic book movie franchises like X-Men, Spider-Man and Iron Man among others. He now runs his own production business, which has been targeting more video game adaptations, such as Capcom's Lost Planet.

Although EA won't confirm the Variety report, it does seem to square with the publisher's new approach to bringing more of its IPs to film and television. EA signed a major deal with UTA back in July in order to develop "a comprehensive strategy for moving its intellectual property into the realm of large-budget motion pictures and television series."