By Jon Scarr
Electronic Arts is closing BioWare and its Edmonton workspace, ending the Canadian studio's 31-year run. EA announced the closure on October 21, 2026. Development of the next Mass Effect game is also ending, while the project was still in its early stages.
Founded in Edmonton in 1995, BioWare went on to create some of gaming's most influential RPGs. Its games include Baldur's Gate, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age. The studio also shared a farewell message thanking its developers and fans.
EA Ends Development on the Next Mass Effect
BioWare first discussed work on another Mass Effect game in November 2020, when a veteran team was already involved. On November 7, 2025, executive producer Mike Gamble reaffirmed that development was continuing. He described the team as focused entirely on Mass Effect.
EA has now decided not to continue that project. In its October 21 message to employees, the publisher described a small team handling early development at BioWare. It also announced that the studio and its Edmonton workspace would close.
The decision comes as EA directs investment toward franchises and business areas it believes can grow. EA is also reducing the number of major action-adventure games it develops at once.
After years of public updates, the next Mass Effect never received a confirmed release date. EA hasn't announced another studio to continue the work or a replacement project.
BioWare's Edmonton Roots and RPG Legacy
BioWare was founded in Edmonton on February 1, 1995, by Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk, and Augustine Yip. All three studied medicine at the University of Alberta, and the company began in Zeschuk's basement.
Its first commercial game was 1996's Shattered Steel, a mech combat game. Baldur's Gate followed in 1998 and helped establish BioWare's reputation for role-playing games. Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Jade Empire followed over the next several years.
BioWare's RPGs became known for conversations that could change what happened next and companions who reacted to your choices. Mass Effect took that approach into science fiction, with decisions that carried across three games. Dragon Age brought it into fantasy, with characters who could challenge the decisions you made.
BioWare's influence continues beyond its own games. Earlier this year, we covered Arrival's expansion into Vancouver and Edmonton, with former BioWare veteran Jeremie Voillot leading its Canadian studios. Former BioWare director Casey Hudson is also working on Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, a new RPG from Arcanaut Studios.
EA acquired BioWare in 2008, but Edmonton remained closely associated with its biggest franchises. The closure ends a remarkable chapter in Canadian game development, from a basement startup to games known around the world.
BioWare Says Goodbye After More Than 30 Years
BioWare posted its farewell message on October 21, reflecting on more than three decades of games and thanking its staff and fans. The studio acknowledged both its closure and the end of early development on the next Mass Effect.
A post shared by BioWare (@bioware)
EA hasn't provided a BioWare-specific count of affected employees in its public announcement. The company said it would support staff in exploring other opportunities within EA, without detailing which roles might be available.
BioWare ended its farewell with a message to its community:
"From all of us at BioWare, thank you for being the most meaningful part of our story."
Jon Scarr
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