Electronic Arts announced plans to shut down BioWare, the Canadian studio behind franchises such as Dragon Age and Mass Effect, and eliminate approximately 350 positions across the company. The move represents about 3% of EA's global workforce, according to a Bloomberg report citing a source familiar with the matter.

BioWare confirmed the closure on X, stating that the decision was not made lightly and emphasizing support for affected employees. The studio's leadership said the restructuring reflects a strategic shift to focus resources on projects with stronger growth potential, including a new Iron Man‑themed game and continued development of Apex Legends, Battlefield and the next Star Wars Jedi title.

In an internal letter shared by EA chief operating officer David Tinson and chief studios officer Cam Weber, the executives explained that a "hard look" at the company's portfolio led to the cancellation of an early‑stage Mass Effect sequel and a planned The Sims project codenamed Project Lotus. Those efforts will be redirected toward a new initiative internally referred to as Project Evergreen.

The restructuring follows EA's $55 billion acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and its subsequent transition to a private entity. The company had previously indicated intentions to reduce costs by $700 million after the leveraged buyout left it with substantial debt.

BioWare, founded in February 1995, is known for role‑playing games including Baldur's Gate, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age and Mass Effect. Recent releases such as Anthem (2019) and Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024) failed to meet expectations, contributing to the studio's declining performance. The closure marks the end of an era for a developer that has shaped narrative‑driven gaming for three decades.