Electronic Arts (EA) is shutting down BioWare, the influential video game development studio behind popular titles such as “Mass Effect” and “Dragon Age”, after more than three decades in the industry.
The closure also means the cancellation of the next “Mass Effect” game, the fifth main instalment in the science-fiction role-playing series that began in 2007.
BioWare announced the shutdown on social media on Wednesday, following a Bloomberg report that EA was laying off around 400 employees, including about 50 at the studio.
“What generations of BioWare built together is something to celebrate and remember,” the studio said, thanking players for their involvement with its games and characters.
Founded in Canada in 1995, BioWare became known for story-driven role-playing games, including fantasy titles such as “Baldur's Gate” and “Dragon Age”, as well as science-fiction adventures such as “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and “Mass Effect”. EA acquired the studio in 2007.
However, the studio faced challenges after expanding into multiplayer gaming. Its 2019 title “Anthem” failed to attract a lasting audience, while “Mass Effect: Andromeda” (2017) and “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” (2024) received mixed reviews and disappointed some fans.
A new “Mass Effect” instalment had been under development before the closure was announced.
The shutdown comes as EA undergoes broader changes following the completion of a $55 billion sale of the company in August to a group including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, investment firm Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.
EA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported job cuts.
Source: UNB News
-Agencies
