Electronic Arts is officially closing beloved studio BioWare (Mass Effect, Dragon Age), as well as cutting 400 jobs (representing 3% of its total staff), cancelling the long-in-development next Mass Effect game and cancelling an unannounced game in the Sims franchise, codenamed Project Lotus.
Around 50 staff from BioWare have reportedly been let go, and it’s believed that others around the business have also been impacted.
EA cuts BioWare, cancels games – quick links
EA says it’s taking a ‘hard look’ at its business
The news of EA’s latest movements was first reported by Bloomberg, in an article revealing deep changes happening at the company.
Per a letter sent to staff, seen by Bloomberg, EA Chief Operating Officer David Tinson and Chief Studios Officer Cam Weber revealed they were taking a ‘hard look at [EA’s] business.’ The closure of BioWare and the cancellation of some games are part of the changes set to reshape it.
Notably, these changes follow the privatisation of EA. It was purchased for USD $55 billion (AUD $78.3 billion) in late 2025 by a consortium of investors led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners’ Jared Kushner, with the deal finalised over the last few months.
In early 2026, EA had revealed plans to save up to USD $700 million (USD $997 million) by cutting research and development costs. Later, a press release indicated great hope for ‘accelerated creativity and innovation’ at the company which would help ‘shape the future of entertainment.’
‘This moment recognises the extraordinary people whose creativity, ambition and passion have made EA one of the world’s leading interactive entertainment companies,’ Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts said following the company’s completed acquisition.
‘We’re entering this next chapter from a position of strength with partners who share our vision and ambition. Together, we’ll invest boldly, accelerate innovation, and build the next generation of games and experiences for the hundreds of millions of players and fans who inspire us every day.’
What’s next for EA
Per reporting from Bloomberg, EA has plans to continue developing an array of its biggest franchises.
It will continue investing in Apex Legends, the next Star Wars Jedi adventure remains in development, and it will continue to work on its Iron Man game adaptation. There is also new developments for Battlefield on the way, and studios Respawn and DICE will work together on a new project, speculated to be a new game in the Star Wars: Battlefront series.
Work on The Sims will continue, but ‘Project Lotus’ has been cancelled. Work on a venture known as ‘Project Evergreen’ will continue. Work on skate will also continue, although the team working on it will reportedly be downsized.
‘Across our portfolio, we’re making deliberate choices to align talent and investments where we see the greatest opportunities for players and long-term growth,’ Tinson and Weber reportedly told staff.
Work at EA will continue but as social media indicates, the loss of BioWare will likely be a significant blow.
The latest Mass Effect game had been in development for several years prior to its cancellation, with much anticipation behind it. The series means so much to so many people. Even developers working at other high profile studios have shared stories about their own love for the franchise and its companion series Dragon Age, and how these titles have shaped them as developers and people.
The loss of BioWare will be felt throughout the games industry. Our thoughts are with those departing EA, and the vast fan community mourning this closure.
