EA shuts down BioWare, cancels next Mass Effect

Brief written by the FOSSWire AI editor from Steam How we write

October 21, 2026 1 min read

Key Takeaway

Electronic Arts has closed BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and cancelled the next Mass Effect game.

Summary

Electronic Arts has shut down BioWare, the Canadian RPG developer founded in 1995 and known for landmark series including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The next Mass Effect game, previously in development, has been cancelled. BioWare's remaining staff are reportedly being offered positions at other EA studios.

BioWare's legacy and closure details

BioWare founded in 1995 in Edmonton, Canada
Known for: Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, Mass Effect trilogy, Dragon Age series, Anthem
Acquired by EA in 2007
Recent releases included Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017), Anthem (2019), and Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024)
Next Mass Effect game, teased in 2020 with a trailer, now cancelled

Why it matters

BioWare's closure removes one of the most influential Western RPG studios from active development. The cancellation of the next Mass Effect ends a major franchise that has been closely tied to PC gaming and Steam since 2008.

Original reference: store.steampowered.com →