BioWare Shut Down, Mass Effect 4 Scrapped

Electronic Arts is closing BioWare. The decision was laid out in a letter to staff this week. It ends a history spanning 31 years. The company also confirmed that the next Mass Effect game will not move forward. Early development on that project has been canceled. This brings the studio's operations to a halt.

BioWare has been with EA since 2008. EA has now decided to shut down the Edmonton office. The studio built Mass Effect and Dragon Age. It also created Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, and Baldur's Gate. The letter described BioWare as a legendary studio. EA will not pursue the development that was underway for the next Mass Effect title. A small team had been working on this project. EA decided not to continue with that work.

The company is shifting its focus to other projects. The letter outlined three main goals for EA. These are to deepen its core, expand its reach, and transform its business. Battlefield 6 is a central priority. EA called it a great success. The company is also working on Apex Legends modes and Marvel's Iron Man. The next Star Wars Jedi game is another focus. EA Sports will handle Project Gridiron. This is an open-world experience from its American football team. A Fight Night revival is in pre-production. The Sims also remains a priority through Project Evergreen.

EA did not provide a number for job cuts. The letter said those affected will get support. They can explore other opportunities within EA. The statement did not say the Mass Effect or Dragon Age series are finished. It did not mention any of the studio's released games.

The reception to Dragon Age: The Veilguard may be a factor. EA said the game engaged about 1.5 million players in one quarter. That figure was down nearly 50% from expectations. EA did not state this was the reason for the closure. Around that time, BioWare general manager Gary McKay said only a core team worked on the next Mass Effect game. He stated it did not require support from the full studio.

EA is focusing on its core franchises. It is putting resources into projects that have shown success. The company has not shared dates for major titles. It plans to discuss its direction and work ahead with staff at its Global Town Hall in November. For now, the company is dropping the studio to refocus on what has been working.