EA Closes BioWare and Cancels Early Development on the Next Mass Effect

Electronic Arts is closing BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and ending early development on the next Mass Effect game. BioWare announced the news on its website on October 22, 2026, saying the studio “is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.”

What has been confirmed

• BioWare, which has a history of more than 30 years, is closing along with its Edmonton studio, according to a letter EA sent to employees.
• A small BioWare team had been working on early development of the next Mass Effect. EA said it decided not to move forward with that project, which was first announced in November 2020.
• EA said affected employees will be supported in exploring other opportunities within the company.
• BioWare’s last release was Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024.

What has not been confirmed

EA did not give an official job count. Bloomberg reported, as relayed by VGC and Nintendo Life, that EA is cutting about 400 jobs, roughly 3% of its workforce, including about 50 at BioWare. Other outlets describe the cuts differently, so treat the numbers as reported figures. EA has also not said that the Mass Effect or Dragon Age series are ending, and the announcement does not address BioWare’s existing games.

VGC links the closure to EA’s recent change in ownership, reporting that it comes two months after the completion of its Saudi-led buyout. EA has framed the decision as part of focusing on its larger opportunities.

What it means for players

The immediate effect is that the next Mass Effect game, which had been in early development, is cancelled. Existing Mass Effect and Dragon Age games are not mentioned in the announcement, so nothing has been said about their availability or support. Watch EA’s and BioWare’s official channels for further statements. Browse the Mass Effect game page on GameGood for the series’ platforms and details.

Sources

• EA cancels new Mass Effect, closes BioWare, GamesRadar (quoting BioWare’s statement; October 2026)
• EA is closing BioWare and cancelling the next Mass Effect, VGC (October 2026)
• EA is closing BioWare, Tom’s Hardware (October 2026)
• EA Shuts Down Legendary RPG Developer BioWare, Nintendo Life (October 2026)