Electronic Arts Is Officially Shuts Down BioWare - New Mass Effect Is Cancelled

This summer, Electronic Arts officially changed ownership—the company is now owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. Even back then, there were reports that changes are in store for the developers and that the gaming divisions might be affected by the inevitable restructuring. And that’s exactly what happened.

Electronic Arts has announced plans for a major restructuring, as part of which the company has decided to shut down BioWare —the studio behind such game series as Mass Effect, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, and Anthem. Mass Effect 5 was reportedly in development, but the game has now been officially canceled. You can check out BioWare’s official statement on its closure below:

For more than 30 years, BioWare has been more than a studio. It has been a home for storytellers, developers, and the players who brought our worlds to life.

Baldur’s Gate. Neverwinter Nights. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Dragon Age. Mass Effect. Anthem.

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

There is nothing easy about writing those words. Our focus right now is on our increadibly talented team who put their hearts into these games, and supporting one another through this transition.

What generations of BioWare built together is something to celebrate and remember. 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.

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

Bioware.

BioWare's most recent releases haven't exactly been successful. Mass Effect: Andromeda and Dragon Age: The Veilguard received mixed reviews, while Anthem is considered one of the biggest flops in gaming history, despite its enormous potential. Speaking of the canceled Mass Effect 5, its development was reportedly plagued by problems, and there were rumors that the game might be canceled. However, few could have imagined the closure of BioWare as a whole, which will result in about 400 employees losing their jobs.

It will be interesting to learn about further updates relating to EA and BioWare, including various behind-the-scenes insights, not to mention what changes lie ahead for the developers. Despite BioWare’s closure, the company recently announced the return of the Fight Night series, and it’s possible that, in light of such major news, more official details will emerge in the near future.