EA is shutting down BioWare

Electronic Arts has officially announced the closure of BioWare, the studio responsible for popular RPGs such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Alongside the studio's shutdown, EA has decided not to proceed with development on the upcoming Mass Effect game. The company is also laying off approximately 400 employees, according to Bloomberg.

The decision to shut down BioWare follows EA's private acquisition in a $55 billion deal that concluded in August. Other major gaming companies, such as Xbox and Epic Games, have also undergone significant changes this year, with layoffs and restructuring efforts.

In a statement, EA President and Chief Studios Officer Cam Weber and EA President and COO David Tinson expressed their regret over the decision, acknowledging BioWare's significant contributions to the gaming industry. The message highlighted BioWare's long-standing reputation as a home for storytellers and developers, and thanked the talented team for their dedication to creating memorable gaming experiences.

The closure of BioWare is not a surprise, as the studio has faced several setbacks in recent years. In 2017, Mass Effect: Andromeda received critical acclaim but was seen as a misstep for the franchise. The live service game Anthem did not achieve the desired success, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard failed to meet sales expectations. These factors, combined with the rapidly changing gaming industry, led to EA's decision to move forward without BioWare.

Despite the closure, EA remains committed to its core franchises and global communities. The company has outlined several strategic priorities, including deepening its core franchises, expanding its reach to new platforms and markets, and transforming its business to create new ways for fans to engage with sports and athletes. Some projects in development, such as Respawn and DICE collaborating on a future project and EA working on Marvel's Iron Man and a new Star Wars Jedi title, are expected to continue despite the loss of BioWare.