EA shuts down BioWare after 30 years and cancels the next Mass Effect game

It's a sad week for gamers, as one of the most legendary RPG studios is officially closing its doors after more than 30 years. Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the closure of BioWare, the iconic studio behind franchises such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate I and II, Neverwinter Nights, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (loved that game 😢). Founded in 1995, BioWare became widely known for its story-driven RPGs, branching narratives shaped by player choices, and its signature companion romance systems.

According to Bloomberg, the shutdown is part of a broader round of layoffs affecting around 400 EA employees, with BioWare reportedly having only about 50 staff members remaining before its closure. The studio confirmed the news on X, stating that "BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending." The cancellation also follows a difficult period for the developer, including the mixed reception of Mass Effect: Andromeda and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, as well as previous layoffs in 2025. The closure comes shortly after EA's acquisition by an investor group that includes Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, although no direct connection between the two developments has been confirmed.

In its farewell statement, BioWare said its immediate priority was supporting the employees affected by the closure and thanked players for more than three decades of shared experiences. The studio reflected on its legacy, noting that its games became something more because players "debated your choices, fell in love with the characters, and made these worlds your own." 🫡⚔️