EA shut down BioWare to prioritize Star Wars Battlefront 3 over Mass Effect
, by Thibaut
Numerous rumors regarding BioWare’s closure have been circulating in recent days. Some internet users have attempted to link the studio’s alleged ideological bias to its closure. But the real reasons behind the publisher’s decision appear to be more strategic.
In an article published on Bloomberg, journalist Jason Schreier simply explained that Electronic Arts chose to redirect its budget toward Star Wars Battlefront 3. Since this third installment and the next Mass Effect were each estimated to cost several hundred million dollars, the company made a choice to minimize risk.
EA chose to focus on Star Wars rather than Mass Effect, and reportedly decided to shut down BioWare as a result. Other factors, such as the commercial failures of the studio’s previous games and changes in the management team, likely accelerated the process. BioWare had only 50 employees left. An EA spokesperson also commented.
"We collectively reached this decision following months of planning, review, and analysis, including careful consideration of evolving business conditions, industry dynamics, and our long-term priorities.
Although it’s never easy, we ultimately have to make tough decisions to focus our teams on the biggest opportunities for our future, including investing in new projects within our portfolio."
It’s worth noting that development on Star Wars Battlefront 3 has likely yet to begin.
Source: bloomberg.com