Electronic Arts (EA) shut down BioWare and cancelled the Mass Effect franchise to redirect resources toward Star Wars: Battlefront 3, according to a Bloomberg report by Jason Schreier. The decision followed EA's acquisition by the PIF group and multiple rounds of layoffs. Executives deemed Star Wars a safer financial investment than Mass Effect, with both projects projected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. EA's preference for shooter franchises, like Battlefield 6, also influenced the choice.
The report highlights the poor commercial performance of BioWare's recent titles as a key factor. Dragon Age: The Veilguard was described as a "last chance" for the studio, while Mass Effect: Andromeda faced a messy launch and weak sales. The failure of Anthem further compounded EA's cost-cutting measures, leading to the cancellation of the Mass Effect series in favor of the Star Wars franchise.
Source: TechPowerUp News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing