Electronic Arts is shutting down BioWare, the celebrated studio behind the Mass Effect and Dragon Age role-playing franchises. The closure is part of a broader restructuring that includes about 400 layoffs. Those cuts represent approximately 3% of EA’s workforce.
EA has also canceled the next Mass Effect game, which was in early development. In a letter to staff, executives said the company is making deliberate choices to align investments with its greatest growth opportunities.
The restructuring follows EA’s $55 billion leveraged buyout in August. The deal added significant debt and prompted a cost-saving initiative.
EA plans to focus investment on its major sports titles, the Apex Legends and Battlefield franchises, and upcoming action-adventure projects. These include a new Star Wars Jedi title and a game based on Marvel’s Iron Man.