Canadian political party leader Avi Lewis has proposed that the federal government provide support to BioWare staff, enabling them to buy and run the studio themselves. This suggestion comes in the wake of recent events impacting EA's ownership and has been framed as an alternative to the studio being unceremoniously shuttered.
Lewis, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, stated that the developers at BioWare possess the knowledge to manage the studio and create games. He argued that they should be given priority and federal assistance to acquire ownership and operate independently. Lewis also expressed a desire to keep private equity out of such ventures in Canada, referencing this as a way to avoid a "Mass Effect effect."
This proposal imagines a scenario where BioWare could continue developing games with a direct investment in its employees, rather than facing potential closure or significant shifts under new ownership. The idea aims to ensure the studio's legacy and its employees' future, particularly in light of concerns that private equity, such as that associated with Saudi investors, might lead to significant changes or the cessation of operations for studios.
Lewis's comments highlight a sentiment that the creators themselves are best positioned to steer the future of a studio with a storied history like BioWare. The suggestion, while potentially complex to implement, offers a vision of employee empowerment and government support for a prominent game development entity. The political figure also alluded to the potential risks BioWare's "inclusive games" might face under certain ownership structures.