Electronic Arts (EA) is shutting down BioWare, the gaming studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, after more than three decades. The company has also canceled the next Mass Effect game, which was still in the early stages of development.
BioWare confirmed the closure in an official statement on October 21, 2026. The decision comes as EA prepares to cut approximately 400 jobs across the company, including around 50 positions at BioWare, according to Bloomberg.
BioWare Confirms Closure
In its official announcement, BioWare confirmed that it would close its studio and end early development of the upcoming Mass Effect project.
The developer acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and said its immediate priority was supporting employees affected by the closure.
BioWare also thanked its players for their support over the years, highlighting their role in shaping the stories, characters, and worlds featured in its games.
EA Announces Job Cuts
The shutdown is part of a wider restructuring at EA, which plans to eliminate approximately 400 positions, representing around 3% of its workforce.
According to Reuters, EA will close BioWare’s Edmonton studio in Canada and focus its resources on fewer major gaming projects.
The company said it would help affected employees explore other opportunities within EA.
Mass Effect Development Canceled
EA has ended development of the next Mass Effect title, which a small team at BioWare had been working on.
In an internal letter, EA Chief Operating Officer David Tinson and Chief Studios Officer Cam Weber said the company had reviewed its business and decided to stop several projects.
However, EA will continue developing other major titles, including Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game. The publisher also plans to continue investing in Battlefield, Apex Legends, and its sports franchises.
BioWare’s 30-Year History
BioWare was founded in Canada in 1995 and acquired by EA in 2007. The studio became known for developing role-playing games with detailed stories, memorable characters, and player-driven choices.
Its major titles include Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and Anthem.
However, the developer faced challenges in recent years. Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem received poor reviews, while its latest release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, failed to meet EA’s sales expectations.
Closure Follows EA Takeover
BioWare’s closure also follows EA’s $55 billion acquisition by an investor group led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The transaction closed in August 2026.
As part of its restructuring, EA plans to reduce development costs and concentrate on projects it considers more commercially promising.
The closure brings an end to BioWare’s more than 30-year history as a game developer, while also ending work on the next installment of one of its most recognized franchises.
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