BioWare is closing down and Mass Effect 5 is cancelled, months after Saudi Arabia’s $55bn EA buyout

Electronic Arts has announced the closure of BioWare, the legendary RPG developer, after more than three decades in operation. The studio’s next Mass Effect game, which was in early development, has been cancelled as a result. The decision affects approximately 50 BioWare employees as part of a broader restructuring that includes 400 job cuts across EA—roughly 3% of the company’s total workforce.

The closure comes just two months after EA completed its acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, along with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, in an $55 billion deal. EA executives stated they conducted a “hard look” at the business and are realigning investments toward proven franchises with stronger growth potential.

BioWare, founded in 1995 and acquired by EA in 2007, leaves behind a significant legacy in the role-playing genre. The studio created seminal titles including Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, and the original Mass Effect trilogy. However, recent releases—including Anthem and Dragon Age: The Veilguard—underperformed commercially and were plagued by behind-the-scenes development issues.

The restructuring spares other major franchises. EA confirmed it will continue development on Battlefield, Apex Legends, sports franchises like Madden, and a forthcoming Star Wars Jedi title. Meanwhile, the Mass Effect television series in development at Prime Video remains active with existing creative talent attached.

The closure has prompted industry-wide tributes, with fellow developers acknowledging BioWare’s foundational impact on modern RPGs.

BioWare is closing down and Mass Effect 5 is cancelled, months after Saudi Arabia’s $55bn EA buyout

Sources