EA shuts down BioWare and cancels next Mass Effect game

Electronic Arts is closing BioWare and scrapping the next Mass Effect title, according to multiple reports. The studio that created the beloved sci-fi RPG series will be shut down, per announcements from both EA and BioWare itself.

As part of a larger restructuring, EA is cutting about 400 jobs, with roughly 50 of those at BioWare. The studio's Edmonton location will close permanently. In a memo to staff, executives Cam Weber and David Tinson said the company is focusing resources on projects with greater long-term potential, leading to the studio's closure and the game's cancellation.

Kotaku reports the closure follows EA's massive $55 billion buyout by a Saudi Arabian investment fund, which left the company with significant debt and pressure to cut costs. The next Mass Effect had been in early development, with BioWare teasing elements of its story for years, including a potential Krogan civil war and connections to the original trilogy.

Polygon notes that EA plans to concentrate on its established franchises. This includes sports games, the battle royale Apex Legends, and upcoming Marvel and Star Wars titles. Other projects, including a Sims game codenamed Project Lotus, have also been paused.

BioWare confirmed the news on social media, stating the studio is ending operations and work on the next Mass Effect has stopped. There is no indication that EA will have another studio pick up the shelved project.