{
  "id": 15954573,
  "title": "EA is shutting down BioWare",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/ea-is-shutting-down-bioware-15954573",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-21T17:29:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hacker News Best",
    "slug": "hacker-news-best",
    "url": "https://www.theverge.com/games/1015647/ea-is-shutting-down-bioware"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the closure of BioWare, the renowned studio behind iconic RPG franchises such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. In a statement, EA confirmed that the studio will cease development on the next Mass Effect game, and laid off around 400 employees, including approximately 50 from BioWare. This follows EA's recent transformation as it was taken private in an $55 billion deal led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.\n\nEA president and chief studios officer Cam Weber, and EA president and COO David Tinson, expressed their regret over the decision, emphasizing the deep impact BioWare has had on the gaming industry. The closure of BioWare comes after several setbacks, including the underwhelming reception of 2017's Mass Effect: Andromeda and the disappointing launch of Anthem. The company has also faced challenges with live service games and failed sales expectations for Dragon Age: The Veilguard.\n\nDespite the closure, EA remains committed to several ongoing projects, including collaborations between Respawn and DICE on a future Star Wars game, as well as the development of Marvel's Iron Man and Star Wars Jedi titles. The company is also working on Project Gridiron, a brand-new open-world football game, and a new Fight Night boxing title. Additionally, The Sims studio is focusing on Project Evergreen, while Skate is undergoing changes to deliver on a clear roadmap for the community.",
  "summary": "Article URL: https://www.theverge.com/games/1015647/ea-is-shutting-down-bioware Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50184586 Points: 336 # Comments: 214",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Verge",
        "title": "EA is shutting down BioWare",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/ea-is-shutting-down-bioware",
        "published": "2026-10-21T17:19:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}