{
  "id": 15933892,
  "title": "EA to shutter BioWare studio, cut jobs as it narrows game slate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/ea-to-shutter-bioware-studio-cut-jobs-as-it-narrows-game-slate",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-21T18:54:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/ea-to-shutter-bioware-studio-cut-jobs-as-it-narrows-game-slate-4963824"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Electronic Arts (EA) announced on Wednesday that it plans to close BioWare, the studio responsible for hit role-playing game franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and lay off around 400 employees, comprising roughly 3% of its total workforce. The decision follows EA's focus on more profitable projects and a reduction in its game slate.\n\nAs per the email sent to employees, EA intends to cancel an early-stage Mass Effect project and shut down BioWare's Edmonton, Canada studio. This move marks the end of an era for the studio, known for its innovative role-playing games.\n\nThe company expects to cut around 400 jobs, primarily at BioWare, which accounts for approximately 50 positions. However, EA will continue the development of Marvel's Iron Man and the upcoming Star Wars Jedi game, signaling a shift towards large-scale action-adventure titles. Additionally, the skateboard simulation studio skate will be restructured into a smaller, more focused entity.\n\nIn a bid to support affected employees, EA assured them of assistance in exploring other opportunities within the company. The restructuring comes after EA underwent a $55 billion privatization led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, which finalized in August.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "EA plans to close BioWare studio and lay off 400 employees",
    "Decision follows focus on more profitable projects and reduced game slate",
    "EA will continue Marvel's Iron Man and Star Wars Jedi game development"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "EA to shutter BioWare studio, cut jobs as it narrows game slate",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/ea-to-shutter-bioware-studio-cut-jobs-as-it-narrows-game-slate-15936049",
        "published": "2026-10-21T18:47:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}