EA is shutting down BioWare: What happens to Mass Effect and Dragon Age

Electronic Arts is closing BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Early development on the next Mass Effect is ending with it. EA announced the decision in a staff letter on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and BioWare confirmed it in a post of its own. Searches for “BioWare” passed 50,000 in the US within hours, according to Google Trends, led by “bioware shut down,” “mass effect 5” and “dragon age.”

What EA announced

In a letter titled “Building EA’s Next Chapter,” EA presidents Cam Weber (chief studios officer) and David Tinson (COO) said the company had “taken a hard look” at its business and would concentrate on fewer, bigger projects.

“We’ve had a small team at BioWare working on early-development for Mass Effect. We’ve made the decision not to move forward with this development, which means we’re closing the studio and our Edmonton workspace,” the letter says. “BioWare is a legendary studio that helped define the role-playing genre, and we do not take this decision lightly.”

BioWare’s own message was shorter: “Now, after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.” The studio said its focus now is “on our incredibly talented team” and on supporting one another through the transition.

How many jobs are affected?

EA’s letter does not give a number. Bloomberg reported that EA plans to cut about 400 jobs, roughly 3% of its staff, including about 50 at BioWare, according to Reuters, The Verge and Game Informer, which cited that report. EA said it will help affected employees look for other roles inside the company.

Is Mass Effect 5 canceled?

The early-stage Mass Effect project BioWare was working on is no longer moving forward, according to both EA and BioWare. EA did not say whether the series could return through another studio later; neither statement addresses that.

The fate of Amazon’s planned Mass Effect TV series is also unclear. The Verge reported that an EA spokesperson had “nothing to share on that at this point,” and Amazon did not immediately respond to the outlet.

What about Dragon Age?

Neither statement mentions Dragon Age specifically. With BioWare closing, there is no studio announced to carry the series forward. Dragon Age: The Veilguard came out in 2024, and The Verge noted that EA laid off some BioWare staff in 2025 after that game missed sales expectations.

Why EA is doing this

The closure comes after EA was taken private in a $55 billion deal led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, which closed in August, Reuters reported.

In the letter, EA said it is focusing on three priorities: deepening its core franchises, reaching new markets and platforms, and building new ways for sports fans to engage. Other changes outlined in the letter:

• Shooters: more Battlefield, continued investment in Apex Legends, and Respawn and DICE teaming up on an unannounced “future project.”
• Action-adventure: Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game continue.
• EA Sports: a new American football project code-named “Project Gridiron” and a return of Fight Night in pre-production.
• The Sims and skate.: “Project Evergreen” gets priority while “Project Lotus” is paused; the skate. team will be smaller and more focused.

BioWare’s legacy

BioWare made Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, Mass Effect and Anthem. Its recent years were rockier. The Verge pointed to Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017), which many saw as a misstep, and Anthem (2019), a live-service bet that didn’t pay off.

FAQ

Is BioWare shutting down? Yes. EA and BioWare both said on Oct. 21 that the studio and its Edmonton workspace are closing.

Is Mass Effect 5 canceled? The early-development Mass Effect project at BioWare is ending, according to both companies.

How many people lose their jobs? EA hasn’t said. Bloomberg reported about 400 cuts companywide, including about 50 at BioWare.

Who owns EA now? An investor group led by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, after a $55 billion take-private deal that closed in August.