Key information
Following the closure of the renowned developer BioWare by EA and its private equity investors, Canadian political figures have suggested potential government intervention to preserve the studio. Avi Lewis, leader of the New Democratic Party, proposed that the federal government provide support to allow former employees to purchase the studio and regain independence.
Eleanor Olszewski, MP for Edmonton Centre, also voiced disappointment regarding the loss of a developer that has represented local creativity since 1995. She indicated that the government intends to work with partners to support regional talent and maintain a robust digital sector within Canada.
Political commentator Christo Aivalis noted that while some dismiss these proposals, direct government involvement has historically benefited the Canadian film industry. However, the studio faces significant challenges, as EA has previously reduced staff through multiple layoff waves following missed internal projections for titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Mass Effect Andromeda.
Despite these political discussions, the studio's future remains uncertain. Many former employees have already departed, and the publisher had increasingly shifted the developer toward live-service projects. While Lewis’s party lacks the parliamentary seats to enact this plan unilaterally, the situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding private equity influence on the Canadian gaming sector.
