Electronic Arts has announced the closure of BioWare, the legendary studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, while cancelling the next Mass Effect game as part of a restructuring affecting approximately 400 employees.
One of gaming’s most influential RPG developers is closing its doors after more than three decades.
EA je potvrdio da BioWare will shut down, bringing an end to the studio responsible for some of the industry’s most celebrated role-playing franchises.
The decision comes as Electronic Arts eliminates approximately 400 positions across the company, including around 50 roles at BioWare.
Next Mass Effect Game Officially Cancelled
In an official statement, EA confirmed that development of the next Mass Effect game will not continue.
The project was reportedly still in the early stages of production.
EA explained that it had reassessed its business priorities and decided to discontinue several projects.
The decision also includes the closure of BioWare’s Edmonton studio, ending the developer’s operations.
The cancellation leaves the future of the Mass Effect franchise uncertain, although EA has not announced that the intellectual property itself is being discontinued.
EA Restructuring Affects Multiple Games
BioWare is not the only studio affected by EA’s latest restructuring.
According to the announcement, the changes include:
- BioWare: Studio closure and approximately 50 job losses.
- Mass Effect: Next installment cancelled.
- The Sims: A new installment cancelled.
- Skate: Development team reduced.
- EA overall: Approximately 400 positions eliminated.
Meanwhile, EA plans to continue supporting several major franchises and projects, including Battlefield, Apex Legends, EA Sports titles, the next Star Wars Jedi game and Iron Man.
BioWare Closes After More Than 30 Years
Founded in 1995 in Edmonton, Canada, BioWare became one of the most respected RPG developers in gaming.
Its portfolio includes:
- Mass Effect
- Dragon Age
- Baldur’s Gate
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Neverwinter Nights
- Jade Empire
In a farewell message, BioWare thanked fans for supporting its games and characters throughout the years.
The closure follows EA’s $55 billion acquisition by an investor consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.
However, EA has not confirmed whether the ownership change directly influenced BioWare’s closure.
The announcement marks the end of an important chapter in RPG history, with the next Mass Effect game cancelled and BioWare’s future officially brought to a close.
