EA Closes BioWare, Cancels Mass Effect and Cuts 400 Jobs

Electronic Arts has officially shut down BioWare, the RPG studio behind Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, ending more than three decades of game development.

In an October 21 farewell message, BioWare confirmed that development of the next Mass Effect game has also been canceled.

According to Bloomberg, EA plans to cut approximately 400 jobs across the company, or around 3% of its workforce. The closure affects roughly 50 BioWare employees.

The decision follows EA’s $55 billion acquisition and transition to private ownership in August 2026, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and other investors.

Next Mass Effect game is officially canceled

BioWare confirmed the cancellation in its farewell statement, ending development of the next installment in the Mass Effect series.

“Now, after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending,” the studio said.

EA has not announced whether another developer could revive the Mass Effect franchise in the future.

BioWare closes after more than three decades

Founded in 1995 and acquired by EA in 2008, BioWare became one of the gaming industry’s best-known RPG developers.

The studio created several major franchises and critically acclaimed games, including Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Anthem.

BioWare said its immediate priority is supporting employees affected by the shutdown.

EA has not clarified what will happen to the Mass Effect and Dragon Age intellectual properties following the closure.

In other gaming news, private equity firms reportedly considered buying Xbox for $150 billion, while Project Helix could cost $1,800.