Full Breakdown
EA Shuts Down BioWare, Cancels Next Mass Effect Project
By Drooid · · How we work
The Core Decision
Electronic Arts (EA) announced it will close its Edmonton-based studio BioWare and cancel the early-development work on the next Mass Effect game. The move is part of a restructuring that will eliminate roughly 400 jobs, about 3 % of EA’s global workforce. Approximately 50 of those positions were at BioWare, which had been reduced to fewer than 100 employees before the shutdown.
Background & Context
BioWare, founded in 1995, became known for role-playing titles such as Baldur’s Gate, the original Mass Effect trilogy and Dragon Age: Origins. EA acquired the studio in 2007. Recent releases—including Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017), Anthem (2019) and Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024)—failed to meet sales expectations, prompting staff cuts in 2023 and 2024.
The restructuring follows EA’s August 2026 leveraged buyout by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. The deal added roughly $18 billion of debt and led EA to target up to $700 million in research-and-development savings.
Timeline
- 1995 – BioWare founded in Edmonton.
- 2007 – EA acquires BioWare for $775 million.
- 2023 – BioWare cuts about 50 staff; Anthem discontinued.
- 2024 – Dragon Age: The Veilguard releases, underperforms.
- Early 2025 – BioWare staff falls below 100.
- August 2026 – EA completes a $55 billion buyout, incurring $18 billion of debt.
- Late 2026 – EA announces 3 % workforce reduction, including BioWare’s closure and cancellation of the next Mass Effect project.
Data & Statistics
- EA workforce: ~14,500 employees.
- Layoffs announced: ~400 jobs (?3 % of staff).
- BioWare staff affected: ~50 employees (?5 % of the studio’s remaining headcount).
- BioWare’s peak employment: about 600 employees.
- Debt added by the buyout: roughly $18 billion.
- Expected R&D cost savings: up to $700 million.
Official Statements & Responses
EA emphasized that the decision to close BioWare “is not taken lightly.” BioWare’s social-media post described the studio as “more than a studio” and said the focus now is on supporting its “incredibly talented team” through the transition. EA outlined its future investment priorities: continued development of sports titles, Apex Legends, a new Star Wars Jedi game, Marvel’s Iron Man game and the next Battlefield installment. The company indicated that Respawn and DICE will collaborate on a project believed to be the next Star Wars Battlefront entry.
What’s Next
EA plans to concentrate resources on three strategic priorities: deepening core franchises, expanding into new markets and transforming its business model. Upcoming initiatives include:
- Ongoing development of Battlefield titles and a collaborative Respawn-DICE project (likely Star Wars Battlefront 3).
- Continued investment in Apex Legends with new multiplayer modes.
- Launches of “Project Gridiron,” a social-first open-world American football experience, and the revival of the Fight Night boxing series.
- Advancement of “Project Evergreen” for The Sims while pausing “Project Lotus.”
Employees affected by the BioWare closure are being offered assistance to explore other opportunities within EA. The company will address further questions at a global town-hall meeting scheduled for November.