Electronic Arts (EA) is closing BioWare, the studio behind popular role-playing games like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The decision also ends early development on the next Mass Effect game, disappointing fans who have been waiting for another entry in the sci-fi series.
The news comes as EA plans to cut around 400 jobs across the company as part of a wider restructuring. The publisher is reviewing its projects and shifting resources toward franchises it believes offer stronger opportunities.
Here's what happened and what it could mean for EA's upcoming games.
EA Closes BioWare After More Than 30 Years
Founded in 1995, BioWare became known for story-driven RPGs featuring memorable characters, player choices, and detailed fictional worlds. Its best-known games include Baldur's Gate, Dragon Age, and the original Mass Effect trilogy.
EA acquired BioWare in 2007, but the studio faced challenges in recent years. Its 2024 release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, failed to meet EA's sales expectations.
On October 21, 2026, BioWare confirmed its closure in a statement reflecting on the studio's history and thanking its fans.
The decision marks the end of a development studio that helped shape modern role-playing games. It also raises questions about the future of its most recognizable franchises.
The Next Mass Effect Game Has Been Cancelled
One of the biggest consequences of the closure is the end of early development on the next Mass Effect game.
BioWare first teased the new project in December 2020, giving fans hope for another adventure in its science-fiction universe. Since then, players have received limited information about the game.
EA has now ended development on the project in its current form. No release date had been announced, and the game was still in its early stages.
It remains unclear whether EA will revive the project with another development team. The publisher has not confirmed plans for a new Mass Effect game, leaving the franchise's future uncertain.
EA Plans to Cut Around 400 Jobs
BioWare's closure is part of a broader restructuring at EA. Reports indicate that around 400 employees could lose their jobs, representing roughly 3% of the company's workforce.
The changes reflect EA's plans to reduce costs and focus on selected projects. The publisher has also been reviewing its development spending and looking for ways to improve efficiency.
These cuts affect more than one studio, showing that EA is making wider changes to how it manages game development.
Is Star Wars: Battlefront 3 Happening?
There may be some positive news for Star Wars fans. Reports suggest that Respawn Entertainment and DICE are collaborating on a new project that could be another entry in the Star Wars: Battlefront series.
However, EA has not officially announced Star Wars: Battlefront 3. There is no confirmed title, release date, or gameplay information yet.
The previous Battlefront games focused on large-scale battles set in the Star Wars universe. A new entry could attract players who have been waiting for the series to return, but fans will have to wait for an official announcement.
EA Is Changing Plans for The Sims and Skate
EA is also making changes to other projects. The publisher has cancelled Project Lotus, a planned game connected to The Sims, and will instead prioritize another project known internally as Project Evergreen.
Meanwhile, development on Skate will continue, but the team working on the game is expected to become smaller.
These decisions suggest EA is becoming more selective about the projects it funds, concentrating resources on games it considers a higher priority.
What Happens to Dragon Age and Other EA Games?
The future of Dragon Age is another major question following BioWare's closure. EA has not announced a new game in the series or confirmed whether another studio will take over its development.
However, EA will continue investing in several established franchises, including Battlefield, Apex Legends, EA Sports titles, and the next Star Wars Jedi game. A Marvel's Iron Man project also remains in development.
Although BioWare is closing, its intellectual property belongs to EA. The publisher could potentially work with other developers on these franchises in the future, but no such plans have been confirmed.
