Electronic Arts is closing BioWare, the acclaimed game studio behind some of the industry’s most influential role-playing games, after more than 30 years. The move also ends development of the next “Mass Effect,” which would have been the franchise’s fifth main installment since 2007.
BioWare confirmed the shutdown on social media Wednesday, shortly after Bloomberg reported that EA was eliminating 400 jobs. About 50 of those positions are reportedly at BioWare.
The Redwood Shores, California-based publisher of “Battlefield” and “The Sims” recently completed the $55 billion sale of its business to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake Partners and Affinity Partners. The latter is led by Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
EA representatives did not immediately answer a request for comment about the reported layoffs.
“What generations of BioWare built together is something to celebrate and remember,” the studio said in its social media statement. “These games became so much more because you played them, debated your choices, fell in love with characters, and made these worlds your own.”
Founded on richly detailed role-playing adventures, BioWare became known for fantasy classics including “Baldur’s Gate” and “Dragon Age,” as well as science-fiction hits such as “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and “Mass Effect.”
The studio’s 2019 attempt to move into the multiplayer shooter market, “Anthem,” proved a major departure from its celebrated single-player storytelling. The game failed to build the lasting player base enjoyed by online successes such as “Fortnite” and “Overwatch.”
BioWare also faced a difficult reception for the newest entries in its two best-known original series. “Mass Effect: Andromeda,” released in 2017, and “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” released in 2024, drew mixed reviews and left many longtime fans disappointed. A new “Mass Effect” project had been in development before the studio’s closure was announced.
BioWare was established in Canada in 1995 and purchased by EA in 2007.
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Associated Press Writer Lou Kesten in Washington contributed.
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