EA to close BioWare and cut approximately 400 jobs
The next Mass Effect game is being canceled, while Skate developer Full Circle will shrink and Maxis will redirect development resources.
Electronic Arts announced plans on October 21 to close BioWare, cancel its next Mass Effect project and reduce staffing across the company. Variety reported that the layoffs would affect around three percent of EA’s workforce, or approximately 400 people.
The closure includes BioWare’s Edmonton, Alberta, office. EA said a small team had been developing the Mass Effect project at an early stage. The publisher acquired BioWare in 2007; the studio’s Anthem and Dragon Age: The Veilguard subsequently fell short of sales expectations.
EA said it would help employees affected by the cuts look for other positions within the company. Full Circle, the developer behind Skate, will also lose staff as EA moves to a smaller team. Skate has been available in early access since September last year.
At Maxis, which develops The Sims, EA is suspending work on Project Lotus to direct more resources toward Project Evergreen.
EA also outlined development plans elsewhere. Respawn and Dice are jointly developing a new shooter, alongside their work on Battlefield projects and Apex Legends. Sources cited by Variety identified the new project as Star Wars: Battlefront 3.
For action-adventure games, EA said it would pursue fewer major projects at once after Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi title. EA Sports is reviving Fight Night, while its American football team is developing a new open-world experience centered on social interaction. EA plans to share further details in the coming months.
