Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a major restructuring that will eliminate approximately 400 jobs, representing 3% of its workforce, while permanently closing BioWare, the legendary studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age. The decision also ends development of the next Mass Effect game, marking a significant turning point for one of gaming’s most influential franchises.
Announced on October 21, 2026, the restructuring comes just two months after EA completed its $55 billion privatization deal. Meanwhile, Respawn Entertainment and DICE are joining forces on a new project reportedly connected to Star Wars: Battlefront.
BioWare Closure Ends Three Decades of RPG History
Founded in 1995 and acquired by EA in 2007, BioWare became synonymous with story-driven role-playing games, delivering acclaimed titles including Baldur’s Gate, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
However, the studio struggled commercially in recent years. Its latest release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, failed to meet EA’s sales expectations, following earlier disappointments including Anthem.
In an official employee memo, EA executives Cam Weber and David Tinson confirmed that development of the next Mass Effect had been discontinued.
They also announced the closure of BioWare’s Edmonton workplace.
Approximately 50 BioWare employees are reportedly among those affected by the wider layoffs.
Respawn and DICE Reportedly Developing Battlefront 3
While BioWare’s future has ended, EA is redirecting resources toward established franchises and large-scale multiplayer experiences.
The publisher confirmed that Respawn Entertainment and DICE will collaborate on an upcoming shooter project.
According to Bloomberg’s reporting, the collaboration is expected to produce another installment in the Star Wars: Battlefront franchise.
However, EA has not officially confirmed the title Star Wars: Battlefront 3, its gameplay features or a release window.
The possibility is particularly interesting because Star Wars Battlefront II launched in 2017, meaning the series has gone nearly a decade without a new mainline installment.
What Happens to EA’s Other Games?
The restructuring extends beyond BioWare.
EA is pausing development of The Sims project codenamed Project Lotus, while prioritizing another initiative called Project Evergreen.
The team behind skate. will also be reduced, although development will continue.
Meanwhile, EA remains committed to Apex Legends, Battlefield, the next Star Wars Jedi game and Marvel’s Iron Man.
The company is also preparing a new football experience called Project Gridiron and exploring the return of Fight Night.
For players, the biggest immediate loss is the cancellation of Mass Effect’s next chapter. For the industry, BioWare’s closure raises broader questions about the future of ambitious single-player RPGs as major publishers concentrate investment on fewer projects.
