By Jon Scarr
When Electronic Arts announced BioWare's closure on October 21, it marked the end of the Edmonton studio behind games such as Mass Effect and Dragon Age. That same day, federal NDP leader Avi Lewis called for government support to help BioWare's developers purchase and operate the studio themselves. Lewis's proposal raised a question I wanted to answer: could BioWare's developers actually buy the studio?
Over the weeks that followed, I contacted federal, provincial and municipal officials, Edmonton Screen, the Business Development Bank of Canada, politicians involved in the buyout discussion and organizations representing the game development industry. I wanted to know what funding might be available, whether governments were considering the proposal and what former BioWare developers could do if buying the studio wasn't possible.
I received statements from Alberta's Minister's Office and Edmonton's Mayor's Office, along with detailed answers from Ronnie Villanueva, Digital Media and Technology Specialist at Edmonton Screen. His responses identified significant obstacles involving EA's ownership of BioWare's intellectual property and whether the company would consider selling it. I also learned about existing assistance for developers interested in establishing independent studios in Edmonton.
Buying BioWare Would Require a Deal With EA
Lewis wants BioWare's developers to own the studio, with help from Ottawa. But even if someone found the money, there's a big question. What would EA actually be willing to sell? It owns the rights to Mass Effect, Dragon Age and BioWare's other games.
What an EA Sale Would Involve
I asked Ronnie Villanueva at Edmonton Screen whether an employee buyout could really happen. He understands why people want BioWare back in Canadian hands. But before anyone can talk seriously about buying it, they'd need to know what EA would sell and how much it would want.
“EA isn’t obligated to sell any of its intellectual property, even if federal assistance was involved,” Villanueva explained.
EA hasn't named a price for those franchises. And until potential buyers know what's for sale, they can't know how much money they'd need.
Buying a studio doesn't automatically mean buying its games. Former BioWare employees could start a new company, but that wouldn't give them Mass Effect or Dragon Age.
EA bought BioWare as part of a bigger deal. In October 2007, it agreed to purchase VG Holding Corp., which owned both BioWare and Pandemic Studios. The deal closed in January 2008. Because EA bought two studios, that price doesn't tell us what BioWare alone, or Mass Effect, would cost today.
Ronnie sees the potential cost of EA's game rights as a major obstacle. He hasn't seen EA indicate that it wants to sell them. He also hasn't seen a public proposal from anyone willing to pay what those rights could cost.
“I’m not saying it’s impossible either,” he told me.
Financing an Employee Buyout
Even if EA agreed to sell, could former BioWare employees get the financing? I contacted the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to ask whether it could help employees buy BioWare. I also asked about worker-owned cooperatives and new companies purchasing EA's assets.
BDC offers financing for management and employee buyouts through its Business Purchase or Transfer Financing program. It can also provide financing for intellectual property and other intangible assets. So there is financing for employee buyouts in Canada, but that doesn't mean BioWare would qualify.
The business being purchased must be in Canada and generating revenue. Buyers also need an agreed price, a defined deal, a letter of intent, an expected closing date and financial documents.
That's where BioWare's closure complicates things. A program for buying revenue-generating businesses isn't an obvious fit for a studio EA has just closed. I asked BDC whether an employee-led BioWare purchase could work under its rules, but I haven't received an answer.
The idea of helping workers buy a business isn't new to former NDP MP Dan Harris. He represented Scarborough Southwest and served on Parliament's Special Committee on Co-operatives in 2012.
“Whether here or in other industries, there should be government backed programs to do just this,” Harris wrote on X on October 23.
Whether here or in other industries, there should be government backed programs to do just this.
Dan Harris, October 23, 2026
He also suggested making employee ownership an option when companies receive government financing. That doesn't mean such funding has been offered for BioWare, or that former employees have put together a purchase plan.
I asked Dan how he thought that could work for BioWare specifically, but I haven't received his detailed answers.
Government Statements Don't Commit to an Employee Buyout
I also wanted to know where the governments stood. I reached out to federal, provincial and municipal officials about help for BioWare's developers and a possible buyout. They talked about helping workers and businesses, but none offered funding to buy the studio.
Federal Support for Growing Businesses
In Ottawa, I contacted Eleanor Olszewski's office. She's the MP for Edmonton Centre and the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, or PrairiesCan.
On October 22, Olszewski publicly said the federal government would work with partners to support local talent and Canada's digital sector. I also reviewed PrairiesCan's Business Scale-up and Productivity program, which supports growing businesses across the Prairie provinces.
I reviewed the program's public eligibility requirements. The program offers interest-free funding that businesses have to repay. But it's aimed at established companies. Applicants must have been operating for at least two years, meet growth requirements and have staffed facilities in the Prairies. They also need other financing in place, including non-government money covering at least half the project's costs.
If you're wondering how that would help BioWare employees starting a new company, the two-year rule is a problem. And nothing in the published rules confirms the program could pay for an employee buyout.
I asked the minister's office about exactly that. Could a newly formed, employee-owned studio qualify? Could the program pay for a purchase instead of business expansion? Were there other federal options, or any discussions with EA and other governments?
I still haven't found a public answer to those questions. So while Ottawa has programs for growing businesses, I can't tell you whether it would help former BioWare employees buy the studio.
Alberta's Response and Gaming Funding Restrictions
I put similar questions to Alberta's Ministry of Technology and Innovation. Could the province help developers start new studios? And would it consider supporting an employee buyout?
On October 29, the ministry's Press Secretary, Claire West, sent me a response for publication. She asked that it be attributed to the Minister's Office. Here's the full statement.
“BioWare has been an important part of Alberta’s gaming sector, and its closure is disappointing news for employees, their families and the broader industry. Our immediate focus is helping affected workers access career and employment services, connect with new opportunities and put their in-demand skills to work here in Alberta.
Alberta’s government is also focused on helping Alberta companies compete and grow by improving access to capital, building a highly skilled workforce and helping businesses reach new markets, while maintaining Alberta’s position as the lowest-tax jurisdiction in Canada.
In June 2026, the Alberta government restructured its entertainment incentives. The province centralized the Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) and the Alberta Media Fund (AMF) under the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women to serve as the unified home for screen-based, digital animation, and post-production funding.
We would welcome the opportunity to work with all levels of government and other partners on opportunities to support Alberta workers, entrepreneurs and technology companies.
Alberta has the talent and the competitive advantages to build the next generation of successful technology and gaming companies right here at home. We will continue to attract investment, support entrepreneurs, and create the conditions for those companies to grow and create jobs.”
Alberta mentions entertainment incentives, which might sound relevant to a game studio. But its Film and Television Tax Credit doesn't cover video games. The Alberta Media Fund has separate programs, and its Project/Script Development Grant also excludes console and online games.
And neither was offered as a way to buy BioWare or the rights to its games.
I followed up with Alberta's government about funding for new game studios and whether it would consider helping employees buy BioWare. I also asked if officials had spoken with EA or the federal government. I haven't received answers to those questions.
I'd contacted Premier Danielle Smith's office too. Its representatives were copied on West's reply, but I didn't receive a separate statement from the Premier's Office.
Edmonton's Response and Government Discussions
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack's office got back to me too. Knack is a gamer himself, and he counts Mass Effect among his all-time favourites. He spoke about what BioWare has meant to Edmonton and its gaming community.
“BioWare has undeniably helped shape the gaming industry,” Knack said in a statement provided to me.
He praised the people at Interactive Arts Alberta, Edmonton Screen and other groups supporting local developers. He believes Edmonton has the talent to keep its gaming industry going. But he didn't say whether the city would help finance a buyout or whether his office had talked about one with EA or other governments.
I asked Ronnie about those government conversations too. Had Edmonton Screen been involved in any discussions about BioWare's closure or helping affected workers?
“Edmonton Screen has not been involved in any discussions with the City of Edmonton, Alberta government, or federal officials at this time,” he told me.
Ronnie would welcome those talks. But his answer only covers Edmonton Screen. It doesn't tell us whether other groups or government offices have spoken with each other.
I heard plenty about supporting workers and businesses. What I didn't hear was a commitment to fund an employee buyout.
Edmonton Screen Offers Help for Developers Starting New Studios
Buying BioWare isn't the only way its developers could keep making games in Edmonton. Ronnie pointed to Beamdog, Inflexion Games and Arcanaut Studios, all founded by BioWare alumni. He also told me about newer games being developed by people with BioWare experience.
Former BioWare Developers Are Creating New Games
Those games include The Concierge from North Mist Studios, The Eventide from Studio Reset and INFERIUS from Lucid Rain Studios.
North Mist Studios has former BioWare developers who worked on Mass Effect and Dragon Age. Now they're making The Concierge, a game with its own characters and setting.
Studio Reset was founded by developers with BioWare experience. They're working on The Eventide, a supernatural mystery adventure for PC.
Ronnie also mentioned INFERIUS, a psychological horror game from Edmonton-based Lucid Rain Studios that's drawing on experienced local developers.
Their games are separate from BioWare's franchises, but they're examples of what developers can make with that experience. None of them needs EA to sell Mass Effect or Dragon Age.
Connections and Support for Former Employees
Ronnie was clear that Edmonton Screen doesn't have a special program for people affected by BioWare's closure. But it can introduce developers to people in the local industry who might be able to help. He's also happy to talk with former employees about what they want to do next.
He worries about more than lost jobs. BioWare was a place where newer developers could learn from people who'd already spent years making games. If those experienced people leave Edmonton, that knowledge goes with them.
Interactive Arts Alberta also spoke out after the closure.
The nonprofit runs the Game Discovery Exhibition (GDX) and supports game development across Alberta. It warned that more layoffs could push experienced developers out of the province. Those are people who could help build new studios and Canadian-owned games.
Interactive Arts Alberta wants more opportunities for developers to keep working in Alberta. It also offered free entry to GDX on October 23–25 for people affected by layoffs. That was for the October event, so the offer has ended.
I reached out to Interactive Arts Alberta for more details, but I haven't received a separate response. Both Ronnie and Interactive Arts Alberta raised the same concern. Edmonton has experienced developers, but they need places to work if they're going to stay.
Funding to Establish or Develop a Studio
If you're thinking about starting a studio, Edmonton Screen does offer some help with the early costs. These are relatively small grants, not the kind of money needed to buy BioWare.
The Community Development Grant can cover some professional development, travel to industry events and costs of starting a company. For incorporation, it can reimburse half of eligible fees, up to $500. Other activities have their own limits.
You can't apply for that grant right now. Edmonton Screen says it's used up its 2026 funding and expects to share information about 2027 in December.
There's also a Project Support Grant for eligible incorporated companies in the Edmonton area. It covers some consulting costs for film, TV, video game and digital media projects, up to 75% of fees or $2,000 per stream.
One stream helps studios hire a grant writer when they're ready to seek investment. Another helps pay for a marketing plan for a game that's in production and getting closer to release. It doesn't pay to run the marketing campaign itself. Studios need approval before spending the money, and funding depends on what's available.
These grants won't pay for BioWare or its games. They're meant for smaller costs, like incorporating a company or hiring someone to help with a grant application.
Ronnie would like to see more studios grow steadily in Edmonton, creating jobs beyond a few major employers. He also thinks incentives for hiring local developers could help keep experienced people in Alberta rather than sending that work overseas.
Some former BioWare employees could join other studios. Others might teach and pass their experience on to newer developers. It's not the same as getting BioWare back, but it could mean those developers get to keep making games in Edmonton.
House of Commons Petition Seeks BioWare's Independence
A House of Commons petition opened on November 4, calling for help to restore BioWare's independence. Petition e-7898 was started by Brendan Routh of Burnaby, British Columbia. NDP MP Don Davies, who represents Vancouver Kingsway, authorized it for publication.
It calls on Ottawa to help BioWare become an independent Canadian company again and secure its game rights from EA. It also asks for more protection for Canadian businesses and cultural institutions under foreign corporate ownership.
There's a difference from Lewis's idea, though. The petition doesn't say employees must own BioWare, or who would run it if a sale happened.
Don Davies Backs an Employee Buyout
I reached out to Davies with questions about the buyout. On November 6, he made his own position clear in a three-part post on X.
BioWare is an Edmonton-based video game studio that created acclaimed series like Mass Effect, Baldur's Gate, and Dragon Age. Canada's video game industry creates some of our most important cultural exports, and BioWare was among our greatest success stories.
Don Davies, November 6, 2026
He called BioWare one of Canada's success stories and criticized EA for closing it. More importantly for the buyout proposal, he wants the developers to have the first chance to purchase the studio with federal support.
“The developers at BioWare know how to run their studio,” Davies wrote. He encouraged people who agreed with him to sign the House of Commons petition.
Davies also spoke to PC Gamer on November 6. He said New Democrats want BioWare to stay in business, preferably under Canadian ownership. He supports giving employees the first chance to buy it and described federal help as “absolutely possible.”
Davies hasn't replied directly to my questions, but his position is clear. What's still missing is a buyer, an agreement with EA and actual funding. His public support doesn't mean any of those pieces are in place.
What Happens to the Petition Next
The petition has passed the 500 valid signatures needed to qualify for parliamentary certification. You can still sign it until March 4, 2027.
Once signatures close, the petition must be certified before an MP presents or files it with the House of Commons. The government then generally has 45 calendar days to respond, with a next-sitting-day exception if the deadline falls when the House isn't sitting.
The government wouldn't have to offer funding in that response, and EA wouldn't be required to sell BioWare. But Parliament's petition process would require an official answer.
So where does that leave a possible buyout? Former BioWare developers would need to get together, decide what they want to buy and make a deal with EA. They'd also have to arrange financing and work out how to run the studio.
I haven't found evidence of an organized employee buyout, and EA hasn't said it's willing to sell. The government offices that answered me haven't committed funding either.
For the developers who need to decide what's next, help is available on a much smaller scale. Edmonton Screen can make introductions and help eligible teams get started with their own studios. They don't have to wait for EA to sell BioWare to do that.
After all those questions, I still can't tell you an employee buyout is happening. There's no announced deal with EA or confirmed funding for one. What I did find is a community trying to keep experienced developers making games in Edmonton, whether BioWare comes back or not.
Jon Scarr
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