Electronic Arts is undergoing significant changes following its transition to private ownership and the burden of $20 billion in debt. On Wednesday, the company revealed major business adjustments, including layoffs and the closure of BioWare, the studio behind popular franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
BioWare has faced challenges in recent years, particularly after the underperformance of titles such as Anthem, which was discontinued earlier this year, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Although EA, which acquired BioWare in 2007, mentioned that a small team was working on the next installment of Mass Effect, it ultimately decided to cancel that project and shut down BioWare’s office in Edmonton, Alberta.
In a memo from EA co-presidents Cam Weber and David Tinson, they expressed their reluctance about the decision, acknowledging BioWare’s legacy in shaping the role-playing genre.
— BioWare (@bioware) October 21, 2026
Overall, EA will be laying off about three percent of its workforce, which equates to around 400 employees. The company stated that it will assist affected individuals in exploring other opportunities within the organization.
Among the studios impacted by these layoffs is Full Circle, known for developing Skate. According to the memo, although the game has successfully attracted players since its early access launch in September of last year, EA is restructuring the studio to create a smaller, more focused team with a clear development plan aimed at fostering a healthier business model.
Additionally, Maxis, the team behind The Sims, is halting development on a project referred to as “Project Lotus” in favor of reallocating resources to another initiative called Project Evergreen.
EA also shared its plans for other studios. Along with progressing on Battlefield titles and Apex Legends, which will introduce new multiplayer modes, Respawn and DICE are reportedly collaborating on a new shooter that sources indicate could be Star Wars: Battlefront 3. Despite speculation that other studios, including Bungie, were candidates for the project, it appears that the series will remain under EA’s umbrella, with DICE having developed the last two games in the Battlefront series.
In other developments, after the releases of Marvel’s Iron Man and the upcoming Star Wars Jedi game, EA plans to focus its resources on fewer large-scale projects in the action-adventure genre. As for its EA Sports division, the company will be reviving the Fight Night series while the team working on American football is developing a new “social-first open-world experience.” Further announcements regarding these projects are expected in the coming months.
