重點資訊
Electronic Arts has officially closed BioWare, resulting in the cancellation of the upcoming Mass Effect title and the layoff of 400 employees across various studios. The project, which had been in development since its 2020 announcement, was intended to be an action RPG that returned to the roots of the original trilogy.
Tony de Waal, a veteran developer and supervisor of cinematic sequences who returned to BioWare in 2021, described the project as a special endeavor. He noted that the team sought to provide a level of player autonomy and decision-making that remains unmatched in the industry.
To achieve this vision, the development team drew inspiration from the design philosophies of Larian Studios, specifically Baldur's Gate 3, and CD Projekt RED's work on The Witcher and Cyberpunk. These influences were meant to elevate the Mass Effect franchise while maintaining the authenticity of the original series.
The cancellation follows a period of internal challenges for BioWare, including the mixed reception of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the departures of key staff following previous titles. Alongside the studio closure, Electronic Arts has also cancelled a project within The Sims franchise and reduced staff at the studio responsible for the skate. series.
