Electronic Arts to Shut Down BioWare, Halting Next Mass Effect Project
The publisher confirmed the closure of the studio behind Dragon Age and Mass Effect, ending development on the next title in that sci-fi franchise.
By Marcus Johnson ·
Electronic Arts (EA) is shutting down BioWare, the developer behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and has canceled the early development phase of the next game in the Mass Effect series. The decision was communicated to staff in a letter that also outlined EA's strategic priorities moving forward, which include the Battlefield franchise, Marvel's Iron Man, and a revival of the Fight Night series.
BioWare, which EA described as a “legendary studio,” was established 31 years ago. During its history, the team produced Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, Baldur’s Gate, and the aforementioned Mass Effect and Dragon Age titles. EA acquired the studio in 2008.
According to EA’s letter, the company “made the decision not to move forward with this development” regarding the next Mass Effect title. While a small team had been assigned to this project, EA did not declare that the Mass Effect or Dragon Age series were discontinued. The company has not provided a specific timeline for when the studio closure will take place.
The publisher's letter to employees focused on three primary objectives: “Deepen Our Core, Expand Our Reach, and Transform Our Business.” The letter characterized Battlefield 6 as “a great success” and noted that efforts are being concentrated on Apex Legends modes, the next Star Wars Jedi game, and Iron Man. Under the EA Sports heading, the company is developing “Project Gridiron,” a social-first, open-world experience from its American football team.
In addition to these projects, EA is currently in pre-production for a Fight Night revival and intends to “prioritize [its] efforts on ‘Project Evergreen’” regarding The Sims. Regarding the staff affected by the studio closure, EA stated that individuals will be supported “in exploring other opportunities within EA.” The company did not disclose how many employees are impacted.
The closure follows a period where BioWare has been largely inactive. Following the release of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition remaster in 2021, the studio released Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024. EA previously noted that Veilguard engaged approximately “1.5 million players during the quarter,” a figure that was “down nearly 50% from the company’s expectations.”
In 2024, BioWare general manager Gary McKay indicated that only a “core team” was required to work on the next Mass Effect project and that this group did not “require support from the full studio.” At the time, staff were being assigned to “other teams at EA.”
EA plans to discuss its future direction and upcoming work with staff during its Global Town Hall scheduled for November. The publisher has not released dates for its major upcoming titles.
Source: Tom's Hardware
