EA cuts 3% of workforce and closes BioWare studio

Electronic Arts will cut about 3% of its workforce, or roughly 400 employees, and close BioWare as part of a restructuring of its studios business. The publisher plans to reduce its single-player projects and increase investment in live-service, sports and competitive games.

The changes were outlined in an internal memo from EA President and Chief Studios Officer Cam Weber and President and Chief Operating Officer David Tinson. The reorganization is EA’s first reported major operational change since its $55 billion private-equity buyout was completed in August 2026.

BioWare’s Edmonton workspace will close, and early development of the next Mass Effect game has been canceled. BioWare developed the Mass Effect and Dragon Age role-playing franchises. Marvel’s Iron Man and the next Star Wars Jedi game remain in production, while EA plans to focus its resources on fewer single-player projects.

The memo identified three priorities: strengthening established franchises, expanding in markets such as Asia and developing new business models linked to interactive sports. EA is also increasing its focus on Games-as-a-Service titles, which receive regular updates and are designed to keep players engaged over longer periods.

EA plans to invest heavily in Apex Legends over the next several years. The battle royale game, developed by Respawn Entertainment, will receive new multiplayer modes and additional live-service features. EA also pointed to the performance of Battlefield 6 in support of its live-service shooter strategy.

Respawn and DICE will collaborate on an unannounced shooter. The project has been reported as a possible Star Wars: Battlefront 3 game, although EA has not confirmed its name or details.

EA SPORTS will remain a major part of the company’s plans. Alongside the EA FC football franchise, the division is developing two unannounced projects. Project Gridiron is planned as a social-focused open-world game for American football fans. A revived Fight Night boxing game is in pre-production and is expected to use simulation-based fighting mechanics.

EA is also changing its plans for lifestyle games. Development of Project Evergreen, a long-term project linked to The Sims, has been prioritized. The team working on the skateboarding game Skate will be reduced.

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