# EA shuts down BioWare, cancels next Mass Effect

> **Key takeaway:** Electronic Arts has closed BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and cancelled the next Mass Effect game.

**Published:** 2026-10-21T17:17:19+00:00 
**Source:** Valve Steam Community Global News 
**Category:** open-gaming 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/ea-shuts-down-bioware-cancels-next-mass-effect.html 

## 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.