EA Shuttering BioWare, Cancels Next Mass Effect

Electronic Arts (EA) is shutting down BioWare, ending the Edmonton-based studio's 31-year run after it was acquired by EA in 2008. The decision, announced in an internal communication to staff, also includes the cancellation of early development work on the next Mass Effect title. A small team had been working on the project, but the company has decided not to move forward with it.

BioWare, which EA described as a legendary studio, has been responsible for a number of popular franchises during its history, including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, and Baldur’s Gate. The studio's most recent release was Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024. The next game in the Mass Effect series was first announced in November 2020, but development has since been halted.

The closure aligns with EA's stated strategic priorities, which focus on deepening its core franchises, expanding its reach, and transforming its business. The company is directing resources toward titles like Battlefield 6, which it called a great success, as well as Apex Legends, Marvel’s Iron Man, and the next Star Wars Jedi game. Under EA Sports, a Fight Night revival is in pre-production, and the company also intends to prioritize efforts on The Sims.

For employees impacted by the studio closure, EA said it will provide support in exploring other opportunities within the company. However, it did not disclose a job count. EA also has not declared the Mass Effect or Dragon Age series dead, nor did it mention BioWare's previously released games.

The reception to BioWare's recent work may be a factor in the decision. EA previously noted that Dragon Age: The Veilguard engaged only about 1.5 million players in one quarter, a figure that was down nearly 50% from the company’s expectations. Around that time, BioWare general manager Gary McKay stated that only a core team was working on the next Mass Effect game and that it didn't require support from the full studio.

EA did not provide dates for any major titles but plans to discuss its direction and upcoming work with staff at its Global Town Hall in November. The company has not released a statement on the closure.