A recent report suggests that Electronic Arts (EA) made the decision to close BioWare and cancel the next Mass Effect game to focus resources on a new Star Wars multiplayer title. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, this decision was influenced by EA's $55 billion acquisition in August, which created an $18 billion debt burden.
EA reportedly reviewed its portfolio and opted to prioritize the Star Wars project, a move that led to the cancellation of what was internally referred to as "Mass Effect: Universe" and the subsequent shutdown of BioWare. Although Star Wars Battlefront 3 has not yet entered development, EA perceived it as a less risky investment compared to the RPG. This inclination towards shooter titles aligns with EA's historical funding preferences.
While BioWare has faced scrutiny for recent projects like Mass Effect: Andromeda, Anthem, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which did not achieve the same critical acclaim as its earlier works, corporate politics may have also played a role. Bloomberg's report indicates shifts in EA's executive leadership, with EA Sports veterans David Tinson and Cam Weber replacing executives who had previously championed other projects.
In the wake of BioWare's closure, a fan initiative using the hashtag "#savemasseffect" has emerged. This campaign aims to find a way to preserve the Mass Effect series and the canceled game, though opinions are divided between those who wish to salvage BioWare's specific project and those open to a new studio taking over the intellectual property to ensure its continuation.