EA Cuts 400 Jobs, Shuts Down BioWare Amid $55 Billion Acquisition
The Electronic Arts (EA) restructuring has led to the closure of the BioWare studio and the cancellation of the next Mass Effect game, with 400 employees laid off across the company. The decision, announced by David Tinson and Cam Weber, reflects the company’s shift toward “priorities, work methods, and portfolios” following its $55 billion acquisition by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, a deal involving Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.
According to specialized publications like Bloomberg and Variety, the layoffs affect approximately 3% of EA’s global workforce, with 50 of those employees directly impacted by the BioWare closure. The studio confirmed the closure of its Edmonton office, ending the early development of the next Mass Effect title.
BioWare celebrates legacy as EA owns intellectual properties
“The legacy of generations of BioWare is something to celebrate and remember,” the studio said, highlighting its focus on player choice and character-driven narratives. However, the move has sparked concern about the future of its IP, with Mark Darrah, ex-executive producer at BioWare, suggesting EA might sell or abandon franchises like Dragon Age and Mass Effect. Darrah also noted that EA owns 100% of the intellectual properties, a fact that could influence future decisions.
The BioWare closure follows a broader restructuring plan, including the cancellation of a The Sims project and reductions in the team responsible for the skate game. The company also halted development of Project Lotus to focus on Project Evergreen, a shift described as part of efforts to prioritize “high-return” projects.
Context of EA’s Restructuring
EA’s reorganization follows a period of financial pressure after its leveraged buyout by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, which added $18–20 billion in debt. The company has shifted focus to “high-return” projects, including Apex Legends, the third game in the Star Wars Jedi saga, and a collaboration between Respawn Entertainment and DICE. The restructuring includes reducing the size of the team responsible for the skate game and the cancellation of a The Sims project, signaling a broader realignment.
The Mass Effect TV series, currently in development at Amazon MGM Studios, remains unaffected. Showrunner Doug Jung and writer Daniel Casey are still involved, with production previously slated for the fourth quarter of 2026. However, the fate of the franchise’s video game legacy remains uncertain. Sources confirm that the TV series team includes Karim Zreik (executive producer of Jessica Jones), Mike Gamble (former head of Mass Effect at BioWare), and Ari Arad (ex-Marvel Studios chief), though no official release date has been set.
The Saudi-led acquisition also saw the involvement of Silver Lake, a risk capital manager, and Kushner’s investment fund. The deal transferred a debt burden of 18–20 billion dollars directly to EA, intensifying pressure to prioritize profitable titles. Analysts point to BioWare’s recent struggles, including the underperforming Dragon Age: The Veilguard (1.5 million sales) and the reception of Andromeda (2017) and Anthem (2019). The financial strain has raised questions about the future of narrative-driven games.
CD Projekt Red reacts to BioWare closure
CD Projekt Red co-executive president called the BioWare closure “not a great day for the gaming industry,” reflecting broader anxiety about the impact of corporate consolidation. Internal EA communications, where David Tinson (Chief Operating Officer) and Cam Weber (President of EA Entertainment & Technology) framed the cuts, described the move as a necessity to “align our resources and talent with the greatest opportunities for long-term growth and profitability.”
In addition to the BioWare closure, EA announced plans to revive Fight Night and develop Project Gridiron, a new American football game in an open world. These moves underscore the company’s focus on lucrative franchises amid financial pressures.
Past game failures contributed to EA restructuring
The studio’s 2017 Mass Effect: Andromeda received a cold reception, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard underperformed financially, contributing to EA’s decision to restructure.
Pro Tips
For fans of Mass Effect, the TV series offers a potential continuation of the franchise.
How many employees were affected by EA layoffs?
How many employees were affected by EA’s layoffs?
Approximately 400 employees globally, with 50 directly impacted by the BioWare closure.
Is the Mass Effect TV series still in production?
Yes. The Mass Effect series, developed by Amazon MGM Studios, remains in production, with no official cancellation.
Could EA sell Dragon Age or Mass Effect?
Mark Darrah, ex-executive producer at BioWare, suggested EA might sell dormant IPs to reduce debt, though the company has not confirmed such plans. Financial pressures from the Saudi acquisition could influence this decision.