Story perspectives

EA Lays Off 400, Shuts BioWare Studio

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 10:18 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Electronic Arts announced layoffs of about 400 employees, roughly 3% of its workforce.
EA confirmed the shutdown of its Canadian studio BioWare, ending its three-decade history.
The BioWare closure eliminates 50 jobs and cancels the next Mass Effect game in early development.
EA canceled The Sims Project Lotus and shifted development to Project Evergreen.
The restructuring follows a $55 billion Saudi-led buyout in August that added $18 billion debt.

History

Historical Context

Electronic Arts, founded in 1982, bought BioWare in October 2007, adding the Mass Effect franchise. After the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s $55 billion leveraged buyout—completed on 4 August 2026 and financed with $20 billion of debt—EA began sweeping cost cuts, culminating in the October 2026 shutdown of BioWare and 2024 layoffs. The pattern echoes earlier studio closures following large acquisitions.

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Story summary

Electronic Arts announced layoffs of about 400 employees, roughly 3% of its workforce.
EA confirmed the shutdown of its Canadian studio BioWare, ending its three-decade history.
The BioWare closure eliminates 50 jobs and cancels the next Mass Effect game in early development.
EA canceled The Sims Project Lotus and shifted development to Project Evergreen.
The restructuring follows a $55 billion Saudi-led buyout in August that added $18 billion debt.

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