Electronic Arts Cuts 400 Jobs and Shuts Down BioWare Studio

October 22, 2026 - 19:38

Electronic Arts is cutting around 400 jobs, roughly 3% of its workforce, and shutting down BioWare, the Edmonton, Canada studio behind the Mass Effect and Dragon Age games, according to Bloomberg.

The move marks the end of a studio that shaped the role-playing genre for more than two decades. BioWare built its reputation on story driven games, and the Mass Effect trilogy became one of the most celebrated series of its era. Dragon Age followed a similar path, earning a loyal following across multiple installments.

The closure comes as Electronic Arts continues to restructure its operations around fewer, larger projects. The company has been shifting resources toward live service titles and established franchises, a strategy that has left less room for studios with long development cycles and uneven commercial results.

BioWare's recent years were difficult. Mass Effect: Andromeda arrived to mixed reception, and Anthem failed to find a lasting audience despite a lengthy post launch effort. Dragon Age: The Veilguard was expected to steady the studio, but its performance did not meet internal targets.

Employees affected by the cuts will receive severance and support services, though the company has not detailed the full package. The shutdown also raises questions about the future of the Mass Effect franchise, which remains one of Electronic Arts' most valuable properties. Whether a new team takes over the series or the publisher moves in a different direction has not been confirmed.

For many developers and players, the closure closes a chapter on a studio that defined a generation of narrative gaming.