Electronic Arts is closing BioWare and cancelling development of the next Mass Effect, the publisher confirmed on October 21, 2026. The decision also closes BioWare's Edmonton workspace, ending work at the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reports that EA will cut around 400 jobs across the company, including roughly 50 at BioWare. Those figures come from an unnamed person familiar with EA's plans; the publisher's public announcement does not give a layoff total.
EA ends work on the next Mass Effect
In its announcement to employees, EA says a small BioWare team had been working on Mass Effect in early development. The company has decided to stop that project and focus on fewer large action-adventure games at once.
Marvel's Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game remain in development. EA says it will help affected employees explore other roles within the company.
The cuts follow EA's buyout
Bloomberg reports that EA went private in August after a $55 billion leveraged buyout led by Saudi Arabia's investment fund. The deal put around $18 billion in debt on EA's books.
BioWare's closure ends the studio's current Mass Effect project. EA's announcement does not set out a replacement plan for the series or announce a new Dragon Age game.
Cover artwork: Electronic Arts, from its October 21 announcement.