Report: BioWare Was Shut Down Because EA Chose Star Wars Over Mass Effect
Key Points:
- EA decided to shut down BioWare primarily to prioritize the development of Star Wars Battlefront 3 after its $55 billion acquisition by private equity, facing an $18 billion debt burden.
- Despite BioWare working on a new Mass Effect game, EA chose to cancel Mass Effect: Universe and close the studio to focus on what it viewed as a less risky sci-fi multiplayer shooter.
- BioWare's recent projects, including Mass Effect: Andromeda, Anthem, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, received mixed reviews, contributing to scrutiny of the studio.
- Corporate politics also influenced the decision, with key EA executives who supported BioWare being replaced by leaders from EA Sports.