While the decision to shut down BioWare is official (and depressing), it’s only part of a wider range of layoffs by publisher Electronic Arts. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reports that around 400 employees are affected as leadership took a “hard look at our business” over the past few months.
This is according to an internal staff letter by chief operating officer David Tinson and chief studios officer Cam Weber. Other projects have reportedly been cut alongside the next Mass Effect. “Across our portfolio, we’re making deliberate choices to align talent and investments where we see the greatest opportunities for players and long-term growth.”
It should come as little surprise that Electronic Arts is reportedly investing in its sports titles and free-to-play battle royale shooter Apex Legends. However, it also has the next entry in the Star Wars Jedi franchise and Marvel’s Iron Man developed by Motive (whose internal trailer leaked last August). While Battlefield support will continue, DICE is reportedly working with Respawn Entertainment on a new project, potentially the next Star Wars Battlefront, based on recent rumors.
Of course, depending on how it performs in the coming years, EA could also cut down on the College Football series. Despite a strong revival in 2024, sales have been down for this year’s entry. Coupled with high costs for player likenesses, arenas and whatnot, it may go on the backburner within the next five years based on recent reports. Stay tuned for more updates on that front in the meantime.
