Electronic Arts is entering a major new phase of restructuring, with around 400 positions reportedly being eliminated across the company, representing approximately 3% of its workforce. The most dramatic consequence is the closure of BioWare, one of the most influential RPG studios in the industry. Roughly 50 of the affected jobs were based at BioWare, whose Edmonton offices are also set to shut down. EA has confirmed that the small team previously working on the early development of the next Mass Effect has been disbanded and that production of the game will not continue.

The decision brings an end to years of speculation surrounding the future of Mass Effect. BioWare had gradually shared clues about the next chapter, which was expected to take place centuries after Mass Effect 3 and return the series to the Milky Way. The cancellation follows a difficult period for the studio. Dragon Age: Inquisition became a major commercial success, but Anthem struggled to meet expectations, while Dragon Age: The Veilguard spent years in development before ultimately delivering results below EA's targets. Mass Effect: Andromeda also received a mixed response, although Mass Effect Legendary Edition later helped restore enthusiasm around the original trilogy. The future of Amazon's live action Mass Effect series remains uncertain, even though the project was expected to tell a new story after Mass Effect 3.

EA is now concentrating its resources on a smaller number of major franchises. Battlefield will remain one of the publisher's priorities following the strong performance of Battlefield 6, while further projects in the franchise are already in development. Respawn's Apex Legends will continue to receive substantial investment, including new multiplayer modes and additional experiences designed to expand its universe. Marvel's Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game are also still moving forward, although EA plans to reduce the number of large action-adventure productions running simultaneously. Reports have additionally linked Respawn and DICE to a possible Star Wars: Battlefront 3 project.

The restructuring comes only months after EA's $55 billion leveraged buyout, backed primarily by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. EA's management says the publisher now wants to focus its teams, technology and investment around strengthening its core businesses, expanding its reach and transforming its operating model. EA Sports FC will continue, while new projects include the social open-world American football title Project Gridiron and the return of Fight Night, which has entered pre-production. In EA's lifestyle portfolio, Project Evergreen remains active, Project Lotus has been paused, and the Skate team is being reorganized into a smaller group focused on long-term player retention.