Electronic Arts, a prominent video game publisher, is closing down BioWare, a renowned game development studio based in Edmonton, after over thirty years of operation. The studio’s closure was confirmed through a social media announcement following reports indicating that Electronic Arts is laying off around 400 employees, with approximately 50 from BioWare. Unfortunately, the forthcoming installment of the Mass Effect series, the fifth since 2007, has been canceled as well.
Established in 1995, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2007. Trent Oster, co-founder of BioWare, expressed his sentiments on the matter, stating that it is a somber day as the company’s legacy comes to an end. The closure follows Electronic Arts’ recent $55 billion US business sale to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, investment firm Silver Lake Partners, and Affinity Partners, which is managed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite attempts to diversify into multiplayer shooters, such as the 2019 release Anthem, BioWare strayed from its core strength of creating captivating single-player narratives. Unfortunately, Anthem failed to attract a dedicated audience similar to popular online games like Fortnite and Overwatch. The studio had garnered acclaim for its immersive role-playing adventures spanning various genres, from Baldur’s Gate and Dragon Age to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect.
The latest entries in BioWare’s flagship franchises, Mass Effect: Andromeda in 2017 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024, received mixed reviews and left many fans disappointed. Despite this, a new chapter of Mass Effect was under development before the announcement of BioWare’s closure. The studio’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition was highlighted by Oster, who now serves as the CEO of gaming company Beamdog, reminiscing about the company’s growth from a small group to a significant player in the industry.
For further information, representatives from Electronic Arts were unavailable for immediate comment on the layoffs. BioWare expressed gratitude to its community, acknowledging the impact players had in shaping their games and creating memorable experiences. The studio urged fans to celebrate and cherish the legacy they have collectively built over the years.
