Electronic Arts to shut down BioWare and cancel new Mass Effect amid restructuring

Shutting down a legendary developer

Electronic Arts has officially announced the closure of the BioWare studio. Founded in 1995 and acquired by EA in 2007, the company became famous for creating iconic gaming franchises, including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Baldur’s Gate, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. After more than 30 years of operation, the studio is ceasing to exist, and its office in Edmonton, Canada, will also be closed.

Cancellation of new projects

One of the key consequences of this decision is the cancellation of the next instalment in the Mass Effect series. This move is part of a large-scale restructuring being carried out by Electronic Arts. According to Bloomberg, the company plans to cut approximately 400 employees, representing about 3% of its total workforce. EA is reviewing its gaming portfolio, abandoning several projects to optimise resources.

Financial context and strategic changes

The restructuring is taking place two months after the completion of a deal for the acquisition of EA by a consortium led by the Saudi Arabian Sovereign Fund. The deal amount was $55 billion, leaving the company burdened with debts of approximately $18 billion.

Previously, EA management stated its intention to reduce annual costs by $700 million. Despite the closure of BioWare, the company says it will continue to invest in franchises such as Battlefield, Apex Legends, and new games set in the Star Wars universe.

New collaborations in the Star Wars universe

The Respawn and DICE studios will join forces to work on a new project. According to Variety, the joint project by these teams will be Star Wars: Battlefront 3.