EA Shuts Down BioWare Studios

Electronic Arts is shutting down BioWare and its Edmonton studio. The closure was announced in a recent letter to employees. It also confirms that early work on the next Mass Effect game has been canceled. The studio's 31-year run is over.

BioWare created many popular franchises over the years. Its portfolio includes Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. It also developed Neverwinter Nights and Baldur’s Gate. EA acquired BioWare in 2008. EA itself went private in August.

A small team had been working on the next Mass Effect game. EA decided not to move forward with that development. The project was first announced in November 2020. A teaser trailer followed that December. A remaster of the original trilogy was released in 2021. Since then, the studio released Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024.

The company's letter to employees focused on three priorities. They are: Deepen Our Core, Expand Our Reach, and Transform Our Business. EA is now focusing on other projects. It calls Battlefield 6 a great success. Work is also underway on Apex Legends modes. Other titles include Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game. EA is also working on a Fight Night revival, which is in pre-production.

EA did not provide a number for job losses. Those affected will get help finding other roles within EA. EA has not declared the Mass Effect or Dragon Age series dead. The company did not mention BioWare's previously released games.

Last year, EA described the reception to Dragon Age: The Veilguard as disappointing. The game engaged about 1.5 million players. This was down nearly 50% from the company’s expectations.

Industry-wide job cuts are not uncommon. Microsoft announced 3,200 Xbox job cuts in July. It cited low margins as a reason. EA has not provided dates for its major titles. It plans to discuss its direction with staff in November. The company is focusing on its core franchises.

BioWare’s closure marks the end of a notable chapter in gaming. The studio is known for creating beloved role-playing games. EA is now prioritizing other parts of its business. The future of the Mass Effect series remains uncertain. No further information is available at this time.