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EA shuts down BioWare, ending Mass Effect 5

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 2:31 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Electronic Arts shut down Canada-based BioWare on October 21, 2026, ending Mass Effect 5 development.
The closure eliminated roughly 400 positions, about 3% of EA’s worldwide staff.
About 50 BioWare employees were laid off as part of the shutdown.
The shutdown follows a $55 billion leveraged buyout led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
The deal added about $18 billion of debt, prompting up to $700 million R&D cuts.

History

Historical Context

BioWare, founded in 1995 in Edmonton by Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk and Augustine Yip, built acclaimed RPGs such as Baldur's Gate and Mass Effect. Electronic Arts bought BioWare in 2007, adding the studio to its portfolio. On 4 August 2026 the Saudi Public Investment Fund purchased EA, and on 21 October 2026 announced the shutdown of the BioWare studio, echoing concerns about sovereign-backed takeovers.

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Story summary

Electronic Arts shut down Canada-based BioWare on October 21, 2026, ending Mass Effect 5 development.
The closure eliminated roughly 400 positions, about 3% of EA’s worldwide staff.
About 50 BioWare employees were laid off as part of the shutdown.
The shutdown follows a $55 billion leveraged buyout led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
The deal added about $18 billion of debt, prompting up to $700 million R&D cuts.

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