31 Years of BioWare End as EA Closes Studio

A three-decade era in gaming has come to a close. Electronic Arts has officially shut down BioWare and its Edmonton studio.

The news was delivered to staff via a letter, confirming that the next entry in the Mass Effect series is also gone. Early development work on that title has been canceled. BioWare, described by EA as a “legendary studio,” was acquired in 2008. It had been a pillar of the industry for 31 years. The company is now pivoting its resources toward Battlefield, an upcoming Iron Man title, and a revival of Fight Night.

EA has outlined three main priorities for its future: deepening its core franchises, expanding its reach, and transforming its business model. Battlefield 6 is cited as a major success, driving this new direction. The company is also focusing on Apex Legends modes and the next Star Wars Jedi game. In the sports sector, “Project Gridiron” is being developed as a social-first, open-world experience. EA also confirmed it will prioritize “Project Evergreen” for The Sims. While the Mass Effect and Dragon Age brands were not declared dead, the specific studio behind them is no longer.

The decision follows a mixed reception for recent titles. Dragon Age: The Veilguard, released in 2024, engaged about 1.5 million players in its first quarter. That number was down nearly 50% from EA’s expectations. This performance may have influenced the choice to close the studio. Before the announcement, BioWare general manager Gary McKay noted that only a “core team” was working on the next Mass Effect game. He stated the project did not require support from the full studio, as other colleagues were already matched with different teams at EA.

This move fits a broader pattern in the industry. Job cuts have become common as companies seek to improve margins. Microsoft recently announced 3,200 Xbox job cuts in July for similar financial reasons. Employees at BioWare will be supported in exploring other opportunities within EA. The company did not provide a specific headcount for those affected. The next Mass Effect game had first been announced in November 2020, with a teaser trailer released shortly after.

EA plans to discuss its forward-looking strategy with staff at a Global Town Hall in November. No specific release dates were given for upcoming major titles. For now, the strategy is clear: double down on what is already working. The studio that created franchises like Neverwinter Nights and Baldur’s Gate is now a part of history, as EA refocuses on its most profitable properties.