BioWare Is Closing After 30 Years, Next Mass Effect RPG Canceled

Electronic Arts has confirmed that BioWare is closing after more than 30 years, bringing an end to the studio behind Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The publisher has also canceled development on the next Mass Effect RPG, which was still in its early stages.

The announcement comes as part of broader restructuring at EA, including approximately 400 reported job cuts across the company. According to Bloomberg, roughly 50 employees at BioWare are among those affected. EA is also closing the studio’s Edmonton office in Canada. BioWare shared a farewell statement acknowledging the closure and thanking the developers and players who supported its games over the decades.

https://t.co/TicSujMWps

— BioWare (@bioware) October 21, 2026

The statement reflects on the studio’s history and the impact its games had on players. BioWare also acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the closure, explaining that its immediate focus is on supporting its employees through the transition.

The cancellation of the next Mass Effect is particularly notable given BioWare’s previous statements about the project. First teased in 2020, the upcoming sci-fi RPG was expected to continue the long-running franchise, although an official title and release window were never announced. Following the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024, BioWare underwent significant restructuring and shifted its development efforts toward Mass Effect.

As recently as November 2025, Mass Effect executive producer Mike Gamble confirmed that development was continuing and that EA and BioWare remained committed to the series. However, the latest announcement brings those plans to an end before the project could move beyond early development.

Founded in 1995, BioWare established itself through RPGs such as Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The studio later developed the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises, becoming known for its character-driven storytelling, companion systems, and player choices. Its more recent releases included Anthem in 2019 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024.

Electronic Arts acquired BioWare in 2007, and its closure marks the end of nearly two decades under the publisher. While the upcoming Mass Effect has been canceled, EA has not announced what will happen to the Mass Effect or Dragon Age franchises going forward.

BioWare ended its farewell statement by thanking its community for the years spent playing its games, discussing their stories, and connecting with their characters.