BioWare is closing after 30 years

BioWare, known for Mass Effect and Dragon Age, announced its closure after over three decades, ending early work on the next Mass Effect project. The studio described itself as more than a development team, emphasizing its role as a creative home for storytellers and developers. Its legacy includes titles like Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, alongside Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and Anthem. The announcement acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, focusing on supporting its team through the transition.

EA will cut approximately 400 jobs company-wide, roughly 3% of its workforce, with about 50 of those cuts occurring at BioWare. The reductions follow an internal review of EA’s business over recent months, as outlined in a staff letter seen by Bloomberg. The letter, signed by EA’s chief operating officer and chief studios officer, confirmed the cancellation of some projects, including the next Mass Effect game, which had been in early development at BioWare.

The decision to close BioWare comes less than three months after EA’s acquisition by a consortium led by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners on August 4. BioWare’s most recent release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, reportedly missed sales expectations, prompting EA to restructure the studio last year. The staff letter also indicated that EA will continue development on Apex Legends, Battlefield, the next Star Wars Jedi game, and a new Iron Man game, while downsizing the team behind skate.

EA’s letter further revealed the cancellation of a planned Sims game, code-named Project Lotus. BioWare’s closure marks the end of an era for the studio, which had been celebrated for fostering creativity and immersive storytelling. The announcement expressed gratitude to players for shaping the studio’s legacy over three decades, emphasizing the meaningful connections built through its games.