Key information
Electronic Arts has officially announced the closure of BioWare, ending over three decades of operation for the studio. This decision includes the cancellation of the next Mass Effect project, which had been in early development since its 2020 announcement. The studio confirmed its shutdown via a statement on X on 21 October 2026.
The restructuring follows a $55 billion buyout completed in August 2026, which left Electronic Arts with approximately $18 billion in debt and annual interest payments of roughly $1.8 billion. To meet promises of $700 million in annual cost reductions, the company is cutting about 400 jobs, representing 3% of its total workforce, including 50 positions at BioWare.
Executives David Tinson and Cam Weber stated that the company will now prioritize investments in sports titles, Apex Legends, Battlefield, and licensed action-adventure games like the next Star Wars Jedi title and Marvel's Iron Man. While Battlefield 6 was labeled a success, other projects like the Sims-related Project Lotus have been paused or canceled.
BioWare, founded in 1995 and acquired by EA in 2007, previously faced downsizing last year after Dragon Age: The Veilguard failed to meet sales expectations despite positive reviews. The future of support for existing titles such as The Veilguard and Star Wars: The Old Republic remains unannounced following the studio's closure.
