October 31, 2026, 1:33 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

Electronic Arts (EA) is cutting 400 jobs, which is three percent of its total workforce. According to “GameStar,” the next “Mass Effect” is also affected by these cuts. Work on the game, which was announced in 2020, is being halted. For fans, this ends a long wait without the anticipated sequel.

The science fiction series began in 2007 and gained attention primarily with its original trilogy. As Commander Shepard, players travel through the galaxy, battle alien threats, and make decisions that influence the course of the story. The mix of role-playing, space adventure, and emotionally told narrative made “Mass Effect” a cult favorite for many players.

BioWare also faces closure

The job cuts apparently affect more than just this single project. According to the report, the storied development studio BioWare, which has been part of Electronic Arts since 2007, is also facing closure. Recently, about 50 employees were reportedly still working there. This could mean the disappearance of one of the most well-known role-playing studios of the past decades.

Here you will find content from third-party providers

To interact with or display third-party content, we need your consent.

Activate

In order to display embedded content, your consent to the processing of personal data, which can be revoked at any time (via the switch or via “Revoke tracking and cookies” at the bottom of the page), is required. Data may be transferred to third countries such as the USA (Art. 49 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). By switching to “on” you agree. You can find more information here.

In addition to “Mass Effect,” BioWare is also behind the “Dragon Age” series. The studio also developed the acclaimed “Star Wars” role-playing classic “Knights of the Old Republic.” Electronic Arts confirmed the closure on X, stating: “What generations of BioWare have built together is something to celebrate and remember.”

Mass Effect continues to captivate fans

The continued popularity of the series is also demonstrated by the 2021 release of the “Mass Effect Legendary Edition.” The reissue bundled the original trilogy and has nearly 90 percent positive reviews on Steam from around 67,000 user reviews. Interest in the science fiction series remained high even years after the conclusion of the original trilogy.

Also of interest: Milestones of role-playing games for computer and console

The fact that the already announced next “Mass Effect” is now not expected to be released is likely to weigh heavily on fans. Along with the impending end of BioWare, the decision marks a significant cut for a role-playing series that has accompanied Electronic Arts for many years.