# EA shuts down BioWare after 30 years

> Electronic Arts has closed the legendary RPG studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, ending development on the next Mass Effect game.
- Title: EA shuts down BioWare after 30 years · Ars Technica | Shortify
- Summary: Electronic Arts has closed the legendary RPG studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, ending development on the next Mass Effect game. EA has shut down…
- Keywords: bioware, electronic arts, mass effect, dragon age, studio closure, video game industry, layoffs, technology, science, shuts, years, Ars Technica
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/10/rip-bioware-ea-shuts-down-storied-rpg-studio-after-over-three-decades
- Published: 2026-10-21T19:12:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bioware, electronic arts, mass effect, dragon age, studio closure, video game industry, layoffs, technology, science
## BioWare closes after three decades
Electronic Arts announced Wednesday that BioWare is closing after more than three decades. Early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.

> after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending.
## Fifty BioWare jobs cut in broader layoffs
The closure comes as part of four hundred job cuts across EA. BioWare, the parent company, is cutting fifty positions based on reports from a person familiar with the company's plans.
## Decades of legendary games end
BioWare created Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Neverwinter Nights, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The studio was founded in nineteen ninety-five in Edmonton, Alberta.
## Years of departures and troubled releases
BioWare lost founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk in twenty twelve and producer Mac Walters in twenty twenty-three. Recent games like Mass Effect Andromeda and Dragon Age: The Veilguard faced muted receptions.
## EA's private ownership drives cuts
EA went private last year in a fifty five billion dollar deal led by Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners. Analysts predicted layoffs and studio closures.
## Key takeaway

EA has shut down BioWare, the storied RPG studio founded in nineteen ninety-five, ending development on the next Mass Effect project as part of broader cost-cutting across the company.