Image Source: Bloomberg.com
BioWare is shutting down after more than three decades of creating influential role-playing games, marking one of the most significant changes in Electronic Arts’ latest studios restructuring. EA announced the closure on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, alongside plans to eliminate approximately 3% of its global workforce.
EA last reported having about 14,500 employees, meaning the restructuring could affect roughly 400 workers. The company outlined the changes in an internal memo from Cam Weber, president and chief studios officer, and David Tinson, president and chief operating officer.
BioWare Shutdown Ends Early Mass Effect Development
The most consequential decision involves BioWare’s Edmonton office and the next Mass Effect project. EA has decided not to continue early development on the game and will close the Canadian studio.
“BioWare is a legendary studio that helped define the role-playing genre, and we do not take this decision lightly,” Weber and Tinson wrote in their memo.
BioWare confirmed the news in a statement reflecting on its long history. The studio said it had been “more than a studio” for over 30 years, describing itself as a home for storytellers, developers and players who helped bring its worlds to life.
The company’s celebrated catalog includes Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, Mass Effect and Anthem. The closure brings an abrupt end to a development legacy that helped establish modern narrative-driven role-playing games.
A Difficult Blow for a Legendary RPG Developer
BioWare’s closure is especially notable because its games often emphasized character relationships, branching stories and player choice. The Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises became major pillars of the role-playing genre, building large communities around their fictional worlds and memorable characters.
In its statement, BioWare thanked fans for debating choices, connecting with characters and making its games part of their own lives. The studio also said its immediate priority was supporting its employees during the transition.
EA’s memo said impacted workers would receive support while exploring other opportunities within the company. However, the closure still represents a major loss for developers in Edmonton and for fans waiting for news about the next Mass Effect adventure.
EA Shifts Resources Toward Major Franchises
The restructuring is not limited to BioWare. EA said it is concentrating its teams, technology and investment behind three strategic priorities: deepening its core franchises, expanding its reach across new platforms and markets, and transforming its business through new interactive entertainment experiences.
In the shooter category, EA described Battlefield 6 as a success and said it had learned valuable lessons from the game’s launch and live-service strategy. Respawn and DICE will now collaborate on a future project. Multiple sources identified that project as Star Wars: Battlefront 3, although EA has not formally announced the title.
EA also plans to continue investing in Apex Legends, with new multiplayer modes and additional experiences expected over the next several years. In its action-adventure portfolio, the company remains committed to Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game.
- BioWare and its Edmonton office will close.
- Early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.
- Approximately 3% of EA’s workforce may be affected.
- Respawn and DICE are joining forces on a future project.
- EA will continue investing in Battlefield, Apex Legends, Marvel’s Iron Man and Star Wars Jedi.
New Projects and Paused Games
EA Sports is also preparing two projects for future announcements. One is Project Gridiron, described as a social-first, open-world experience built around American football. The company is also in pre-production on a return for the boxing franchise Fight Night, which has been absent for about 15 years.
In its lifestyle division, EA is giving more time to Project Evergreen for The Sims and pausing development on Project Lotus. The company also plans to reduce the size of the team working on Skate., with the aim of creating a more focused and sustainable development roadmap.
The restructuring comes shortly after EA completed a $55 billion private-equity transaction involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. It is the company’s first major strategic move since becoming privately held.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is BioWare shutting down?
EA said it decided not to continue early development on the next Mass Effect project and is closing BioWare’s Edmonton office as part of a broader studios restructuring.
How many EA employees could be affected?
EA expects about 3% of its global workforce to be affected. Based on the company’s reported headcount of 14,500 employees, that equals roughly 400 workers.
Is the next Mass Effect game canceled?
Early development on the project has ended under the current plan. EA has not provided further details about whether the franchise could return in another form.
What is Respawn and DICE’s new project?
EA said the studios will collaborate on a future shooter project. Multiple sources identified it as Star Wars: Battlefront 3, but the company has not officially confirmed the title.
