EA Shuts Down BioWare, Cancels Next Mass Effect Title

Electronic Arts has moved to shutter BioWare and its Edmonton studio, ending a 31-year run for a developer behind franchises such as Mass Effect and Dragon Age. In a communication to staff, the company also confirmed it has canceled early development work on the next installment of the Mass Effect series. The decision aligns with a strategy that prioritizes projects described as Deepen Our Core, Expand Our Reach, and Transform Our Business.

The company is directing its capital and manpower toward titles it considers proven performers. Battlefield 6 is cited as a great success, while resources are being shifted to support Apex Legends modes, Marvel’s Iron Man, and the next Star Wars Jedi game. Under the EA Sports division, the company is developing Project Gridiron, described as a social-first, open-world experience, alongside a Fight Night revival currently in pre-production. Efforts will also be prioritized on Project Evergreen for The Sims.

The studio, which EA acquired in 2008, has faced a decline in engagement metrics. Last year, EA reported that Dragon Age: The Veilguard engaged only about 1.5 million players during the quarter, a figure down nearly 50% from company expectations. While EA did not explicitly link the closure to these numbers, the reception may have played a partial role. Previously, BioWare general manager Gary McKay noted that only a core team was working on the next Mass Effect game and did not require support from the full studio.

EA did not disclose a specific date for the closure or a job count for those affected. The company stated it will support impacted employees in exploring other opportunities within EA. Neither the Mass Effect nor the Dragon Age series was declared dead, though early work on the former has been halted. The company is scheduled to discuss its direction and upcoming work with staff at its Global Town Hall in November.