EA Overhauls Operations, Shuts Down BioWare, and Cancels Next Mass Effect
EA is narrowing its focus to fewer major games while reshaping teams and priorities across its portfolio. The changes include closing BioWare, ending early development on the next Mass Effect, pausing The Sims’ Project Lotus, and restructuring the Skate team.
EA confirmed that BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending. It also said development on The Sims’ Project Lotus is being paused. EA plans to continue work on Marvel’s Iron Man, the next Star Wars Jedi game, future Battlefield titles, and Apex Legends.
Players could see fewer games developed at once as EA shifts resources toward a smaller slate of major releases. Projects already in development may be delayed, paused, or dropped as the company decides what gets priority.
EA’s announcement sets out three priorities: strengthen its established franchises, expand into new markets and platforms, and transform how fans engage with interactive entertainment. The company says clearer priorities and faster decisions should help its teams focus on projects with greater potential. In shooters, EA plans to build on Battlefield 6’s success, develop future Battlefield titles, and bring Respawn and DICE together on a future project. Apex Legends is also set to receive new multiplayer modes and other experiences over the coming years. In action-adventure, the publisher says Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game remain key projects. EA is also investing in its EA SPORTS FC franchise and developing Project Gridiron, a social-first open-world American football experience. Fight Night is in pre-production, according to the announcement. Other changes affect The Sims and Skate. EA is prioritizing Project Evergreen for The Sims and pausing Project Lotus to give the team more time to develop its vision. Skate will continue, but with a smaller team focused on its roadmap. The announcement confirms BioWare’s closure and the end of early development on the next Mass Effect project. Separately, Reuters reported that EA planned to cut around 400 jobs company-wide, including roughly 50 at BioWare. EA’s announcement itself does not state those figures.
