Electronic Arts Shuts Down BioWare Studio
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
The closure of the storied Edmonton developer marks the end of development for the next Mass Effect title.
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) has announced the closure of BioWare, the Edmonton-based studio recognized for creating the *Mass Effect*, *Dragon Age*, and *Baldur’s Gate* series. According to reporting from BetaKit, the studio confirmed the shutdown via social media on Wednesday, noting that development on the upcoming *Mass Effect* game will cease immediately.
As reported by Bloomberg News, the closure is part of a broader workforce reduction at EA, which plans to cut approximately 400 jobs—roughly three percent of its total staff. This includes about 50 employees from BioWare. The move follows a period of instability for both entities; BetaKit notes that EA went private in August following a $55-billion USD leveraged buyout.
Founded in 1995, BioWare's workforce has declined significantly from a peak of over 400 employees to approximately 100 prior to this closure. BetaKit attributes this decline to the underperformance of recent entries in the *Dragon Age* and *Mass Effect* franchises.
The closure reflects broader volatility within the Canadian gaming sector. BetaKit highlights that fellow developer Ubisoft previously closed offices in Halifax and Winnipeg, resulting in more than 100 layoffs. The decision by EA to shutter a studio once considered a crown jewel of the Canadian industry suggests a shift in how some of the world's most successful game franchises are viewed in terms of financial viability.