Electronic Arts is closing BioWare, the studio that helped shape modern role-playing games through Baldur’s Gate, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect. The decision comes as EA cuts roughly 400 roles—about 3% of its workforce—including approximately 50 positions at BioWare.

EA confirmed that early development on the next Mass Effect game will not continue. In a letter to employees, COO David Tinson and Chief Studios Officer Cam Weber said the company is concentrating resources on what it sees as larger growth opportunities, leading to the closure of BioWare and its Edmonton workspace.

The restructuring follows EA’s transition to private ownership earlier this year through a $55 billion acquisition involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. EA says it will continue investing in sports titles, Apex Legends, Battlefield, Star Wars Jedi, and Marvel’s Iron Man, while other projects—including a planned Sims game—will be paused or redirected

BioWare’s closure marks the end of a studio whose stories gave players memorable companions, difficult choices, and worlds many returned to for decades. In its farewell message, the team thanked players for making its games “so much more,” emphasizing the shared memories created around its characters and choices.

The studio’s later years were difficult: Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem fell short of expectations, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard received a stronger critical reception after a long and turbulent development. Still, BioWare’s influence on character-driven, choice-focused RPGs remains visible across the genre.

For the people losing their jobs, the news is more than the end of a famous brand. It is the loss of colleagues, creative communities, and years of work—and the industry’s response now turns to supporting those affected as they look for their next chapter.