EA shuts down BioWare, next 'Mass Effect' canceled

After more than three decades, Electronic Arts (EA) is shutting down its subsidiary BioWare, marking the end of the studio behind popular video game franchises such as “Dragon Age,” “Mass Effect,” and “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.”

In a statement shared on X, BioWare reflected on its 30 years of operations and thanked the developers and players who helped bring its games to life.

“[BioWare has] been a home for storytellers, developers, and the players who brought our worlds to life,” the studio said.

The studio also confirmed that early development of the next “Mass Effect” game has been canceled.

“Now, after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next 'Mass Effect' project is ending,” it announced.

Acknowledging the difficulty of the closure, BioWare said its immediate priority is supporting the developers and employees affected by the transition.

“There is nothing easy about writing those words,” it said.

“Our focus right now is on our incredibly talented team who put their hearts into these games, and supporting one another through this transition,” it added.

The studio also expressed gratitude to its community, recognizing the role players have played in shaping its games.

“These games became so much more because you played them, debated your choices, fell in love with the characters, and made these worlds your own,” BioWare said.

“From all of us at BioWare, thank you for being the most meaningful part of our story.”

BioWare was founded in 1995 by medical doctors Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk, and Augustine Yip.

The studio's catalog includes "Baldur's Gate," "Neverwinter Nights," "Anthem," and many more beloved games.

According to Variety, EA is restructuring its studios business, resulting in layoffs of about 3% of its global workforce.

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— BioWare (@bioware) October 21, 2026

—Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA News