Electronic Arts' decision to prioritize the development of Star Wars Battlefront 3 over Mass Effect 5 was the primary catalyst for the closure of the renowned RPG studio BioWare, according to a report from Bloomberg.
The publication suggests that EA, facing financial pressures following a leveraged buyout, sought to invest in a project with a more guaranteed financial return. Disney's offer to develop Star Wars Battlefront 3 presented a seemingly safer bet compared to the continued investment required for Mass Effect 5. The Star Wars franchise ranks highly among the highest-grossing media franchises, while Battlefront 3, though not yet in active development, offered brand recognition and a familiar shooter genre that aligns with EA's existing portfolio.
This decision was compounded by BioWare's recent track record. A history of rocky game releases, starting with Mass Effect: Andromeda, followed by Anthem, and a failure to significantly improve performance with Dragon Age: The Veilguard, reportedly contributed to EA's assessment of the studio's viability. Furthermore, corporate restructuring within EA, which saw executives with ties to EA Sports promoted while a key BioWare advocate was moved to a different role, may have also influenced the outcome.
An EA spokesperson told Bloomberg that the decision to close BioWare was a collective one, made after months of planning and review, considering evolving business conditions, industry dynamics, and long-term priorities. Respawn and DICE are reportedly set to take over the development of Battlefront 3.
The report highlights a perceived irony in EA opting for a licensed property with a built-in audience over internal IP development, especially given the company's previous decision to drop the FIFA name for its football games in favor of its own brand, EA Sports FC, to gain greater control and ownership.