EA shuts down BioWare and cancels fifth Mass Effect game

Publisher Electronic Arts is closing developer BioWare after more than 30 years of game development. VGC, RPG Site, Esports.gg, Dexerto and VideoCardz.com all report that the studio shutdown includes the cancellation of the next Mass Effect video game, which was in early development. [1][2][3][5][6][7][12]

BioWare confirmed the closure on social media, stating that its focus is on supporting its team through the transition. RPG Site, Esports.gg and Dexerto report that the closure is part of approximately 400 overall job cuts across Electronic Arts. According to RPG Site, citing a Bloomberg report, BioWare itself will see roughly 50 staff cuts. [2][3][5][6]

Mass Effect is a military science fiction franchise created by Casey Hudson that depicts a future where humanity and alien civilizations have colonized the galaxy. BioWare previously developed franchises including Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age and Anthem. [2][3][14]

Kotaku and IGN report that Amazon MGM Studios still intends to move forward with its upcoming live action Mass Effect television series. Kotaku notes that sources confirm all creative staff attached to the Amazon Prime project remain on board, with the show expected to take place after the original game trilogy. [1][8]