EA Closes BioWare and Prioritizes Battlefield and EA Sports FC

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a new strategy focused on its biggest gaming franchises, with plans to reduce the number of simultaneous projects and restructure development teams. The changes include the closure of BioWare and its Edmonton office in Canada, following the decision to halt early development of a new Mass Effect game. Battlefield, Apex Legends, EA Sports FC and Madden NFL will receive priority as the publisher redirects resources toward its largest intellectual properties.

Executives Cam Weber and David Tinson outlined the strategy in a statement describing the company's “next chapter.” EA intends to concentrate investment on fewer, larger productions while scaling back or suspending other projects.

The announcement comes amid concerns over the company's acquisition by a group of investors led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the potential impact on studios, jobs and development budgets.

Battlefield, Apex Legends and Star Wars Remain Priorities

EA plans to increase investment in Battlefield and Apex Legends, with Respawn Entertainment and DICE expected to collaborate on a future project.

Other productions remain in development, including Marvel's Iron Man game and the third installment in the Star Wars Jedi series. EA intends to limit the number of major projects being developed simultaneously.

The publisher's sports division will also remain a priority, with EA Sports FC, the American football game provisionally titled Project Gridiron, and a planned return for the boxing franchise Fight Night.

The Sims Continues as Project Lotus Is Put on Hold

EA has confirmed that The Sims franchise will continue, but Project Lotus, previously associated with possible plans for the series' future, has been put on hold.

The team working on Skate will also face cuts as EA restructures its operations to create what it describes as a more sustainable business.

BioWare Closure Halts Early Development of Mass Effect

BioWare, known for RPG franchises such as Dragon Age and Mass Effect, is among the studios most affected by the new strategy.

EA confirmed that a smaller team had been working on the early stages of a new Mass Effect game, but the company decided not to proceed with the project. The announcement also confirmed the closure of BioWare and its Edmonton office.

EA has not disclosed the full extent of the staffing changes or explained what will happen to all affected employees. A Bloomberg report cited by PC Gamer previously indicated that approximately 400 jobs could be cut across the company. EA acknowledged the impact on employees but did not provide a complete breakdown of eliminated positions.

EA Acquisition Raises Concerns About Studio Budgets

The restructuring follows the acquisition of Electronic Arts by an investor group led by the PIF. According to PC Gamer, the transaction added approximately $20 billion in debt to the financial structure associated with the deal.

Earlier reports also raised the possibility of further cost-cutting measures and a potential integration with Savvy Games Group, a Saudi-backed gaming investment company. These possibilities remain distinct from the changes officially confirmed by EA.

For players, the announced consequences include the suspension of Project Lotus, cuts to the Skate team and the cancellation of the early-stage Mass Effect project associated with BioWare. EA has yet to provide a complete timeline or identify every project that could be affected.

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