Key facts
- EA will close its BioWare studio in Edmonton, Canada.
- An early-stage "Mass Effect" project will be canceled.
- Approximately 400 jobs will be cut, with about 50 at BioWare.
- EA will focus on fewer large-scale action-adventure games.
Electronic Arts is planning to close its BioWare studio in Edmonton, Canada, and lay off approximately 400 employees as it narrows its game development slate. The company announced the decision in an email to staff on Wednesday. An early-stage "Mass Effect" project will be canceled, and the developer known for franchises like "Mass Effect" and "Dragon Age" will cease operations. Around 50 of the job cuts will affect BioWare. EA stated it will concentrate on fewer large-scale action-adventure games, continuing development on "Marvel's Iron Man" and the next "Star Wars Jedi" game. The team behind the skateboarding simulation "skate." will also be restructured into a smaller studio. The company said it would help affected employees find other opportunities within EA. Electronic Arts was taken private in August for $55 billion in a deal led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.