- Primary Subject: BioWare
- Key Update: EA is cutting 400 jobs and shutting down BioWare, the studio behind the Mass Effect franchise.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: October 21, 2026
- Quick Answer: Electronic Arts will cut 400 jobs and shut down BioWare, effectively cancelling development on Mass Effect 5.
BioWare, the legendary studio that has been around since 1995, will shut down as part of the recent restructuring at Electronic Arts.
The studio's social media account confirmed the tragic news through a farewell letter, revealing that Mass Effect 5, which was in early development, has been cancelled. "...after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending," the letter reads.
The studio's closure comes amid a restructuring at Electronic Arts, as the company announced a new round of layoffs to cut around 400 jobs, about 3% of its total workforce. This resulted in the firing of 50 BioWare employees and the studio's closure.
The studio had already suffered a big reduction in its staff last year due to poor sales performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, released in 2024. The title failed to meet the publisher's expectations after only selling 1.5 million copies despite its positive reception with critics.
BioWare was originally founded in 1995 and released its first title the year after. Its first major release came in 1998, when the studio received the license to develop Baldur's Gate. They went on to develop a sequel and other original games in the following years.
In 2003, the studio released one of its most iconic titles, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, receiving praise and multiple awards. The first Mass Effect was released in 2007, the same year the studio was acquired by Electronic Arts.
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At the time of writing, it's unclear whether EA plans to give the Mass Effect franchise to another studio or if there are no intentions of developing a fifth installment.
Were you a fan of the Mass Effect franchise?
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