EA Shuts Down BioWare, Cancels Next Mass Effect Game as 400 Jobs Face Cuts

Electronic Arts (EA) is shutting down BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, bringing an end to more than three decades of game development.

The closure, reported on October 21, also means the cancellation of BioWare’s next Mass Effect project, which was still in early development. According to reports, around 50 BioWare employees are affected, with the remaining job cuts spread across EA’s wider operations that totals around 400 jobs. EA has said it will help affected employees explore other opportunities within the company, although internal positions may not be available for everyone.

Founded in 1995, BioWare built its reputation on story-driven role-playing games that gave players memorable companions, difficult choices and expansive fictional worlds. Alongside Mass Effect and Dragon Age, the studio developed acclaimed titles such as Baldur’s Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Its games helped shape expectations for narrative-driven RPGs and built a loyal following over the years.

However, the studio has faced challenges in recent releases, including Mass Effect: Andromeda, Anthem and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Those commercial and critical struggles form part of the backdrop to EA’s restructuring, though they do not erase BioWare’s contribution to the industry.

BioWare’s closure is part of EA’s broader effort to concentrate resources on selected franchises and upcoming releases. The publisher continues to invest in its sports games and Apex Legends, alongside projects such as the next Star Wars Jedi game and a new Iron Man title.

Developers who spent years building games and fictional worlds now face uncertainty about their next jobs and whether they can continue working together. BioWare’s closure also leaves questions about the future of Mass Effect. EA has confirmed the cancellation of the project in development, but has not established what will happen to the franchise beyond that decision.

The games BioWare created will remain available, and their influence on role-playing games is unlikely to disappear. But for the people who built them, the studio’s closure marks the end of a workplace and a creative home that has existed for more than 30 years.