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Edmonton-based video game studio BioWare shutting down after more than 30 years
Electronic Arts shuts down BioWare, ending the studio's 30-year legacy.
Key points
- Electronic Arts, a leading video game publisher, is closing down BioWare, a popular game development studio.
- BioWare, founded in 1995, is known for its iconic games, including Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age.
- The closure follows a report of layoffs and the cancellation of an upcoming Mass Effect game.
Why it matters. The shutdown of BioWare, a prominent game development studio, marks the end of an era in the gaming industry, impacting fans and the future of popular game franchises.
Electronic Arts is shutting down BioWare, a renowned video game studio based in Edmonton, Canada. The studio, known for iconic games like Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age, has been a part of the gaming industry for over three decades. BioWare's co-founder, Trent Oster, expressed sadness over the closure, reflecting on the studio's legacy and impact on the gaming world.
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Edmonton-based video game studio BioWare shutting down after more than 30 years
Video game publisher Electronic Arts is shutting down the popular Edmonton-based game development studio BioWare, known for the games Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age, after more than three decades. Canada Video game publisher Electronic Arts is shutting down the popular Edmonton-based game development studio BioWare, known for the games Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age, after more than three decades. Influential game development company known for Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age The Associated Press · Posted: Oct 21, 2026 10:44 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago Listen to this article Estimated 3 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. Video game publisher Electronic Arts announced Wednesday that it is shutting down Edmonton-based BioWare, a popular video game studio, after more than three decades. (Jae C. Hong/The Associated Press) Video game publisher Electronic Arts is shutting down the popular Edmonton-based game development studio BioWare after more than three decades. BioWare announced the closure on social media Wednesday following a report by Bloomberg that also said the company is laying off 400 people, including about 50 at BioWare. It also confirmed the upcoming Mass Effect game, the fifth in a series since 2007, has been cancelled.
BioWare, Edmonton-based video game company, shutting down
The Edmonton-based studio behind Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate announced Wednesday it is closing permanently, and early development on the next Mass Effect title is cancelled. Founded in 1995 with just six people, BioWare grew into Alberta’s only triple-A video game studio and was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2007. The closure is being described as a cost-saving move, leaving roughly 40 remaining employees without jobs and forcing many local developers to consider leaving Edmonton’s small industry. Industry leaders call the shutdown a tremendous loss and a seismic blow to the region’s tech sector. Digital Alberta says it will help affected workers find new roles or start their own studios, while former BioWare staff already run independent companies in the city.