EA shuts down BioWare and cancels the next Mass Effect game

Summary

Electronic Arts is shutting down BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, after more than three decades, the company confirmed in a statement. EA has also canceled the next Mass Effect game, which was in early development and is no longer being pursued. In a memo to staff, Chief Studios Officer Cam Weber and COO David Tinson said the company had reviewed its business over recent months. Ars Technica reports that the closure comes alongside layoffs of 400 people at the parent company, and Digital Trends reports that it is part of a wider restructuring. CNET notes that the studio was shut down just months after EA was acquired by a private equity consortium.

Timeline

1. The Verge

   21 Oct 2026, 17:19 UTCSource ↗

   The Verge reports that BioWare is shutting down, as confirmed in a company statement, and that EA will not continue development on the next Mass Effect game.

2. Hindustan Times

   21 Oct 2026, 18:02 UTCSource ↗

   Hindustan Times reports that BioWare is shutting down and EA has halted development of the next Mass Effect game amid job cuts, citing a memo from Chief Studios Officer Cam Weber and COO David Tinson that says the company reviewed its business over recent months.

3. Ars Technica

   21 Oct 2026, 19:12 UTCSource ↗

   Ars Technica reports that EA is shutting down BioWare, that the next Mass Effect project has been canceled, and that the parent company is laying off 400 people.

4. Digital Trends

   21 Oct 2026, 21:26 UTCSource ↗

   Digital Trends reports that EA is shutting down BioWare after more than three decades, canceled the next Mass Effect in early development, and is closing the studio as part of a wider restructuring.

5. CNET

   22 Oct 2026, 01:24 UTCSource ↗

   CNET reports that BioWare has been shut down just months after EA was acquired by a private equity consortium, and that the closure is tied to EA's layoffs.