Bloomberg: EA closed BioWare to prioritize Star Wars Battlefront 3
The report says EA canceled Mass Effect: Universe and shut the studio down, while Star Wars Battlefront 3 has not yet entered development.
EA shut down BioWare and canceled the Mass Effect project the studio was working on, Mass Effect: Universe, in order to prioritize Star Wars Battlefront 3, according to a Bloomberg report. The report states that Star Wars Battlefront 3 has not yet begun development.
Bloomberg cites EA's $18 billion in debt following its acquisition as a factor in the company's review of its portfolio. Its sources say several reasons stood behind the closure of BioWare.
Since the studio closed, Mass Effect fans have launched a #savemasseffect initiative. BioWare's closure the previous week had prompted widespread speculation about the reasons behind it.
In August, EA was acquired by private equity for $55 billion. BioWare's recent projects, including Mass Effect: Andromeda, Anthem and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, were less well received than the studio's earlier output.
Quick answers
Did EA shut down BioWare?
Yes. According to Bloomberg, EA closed BioWare and canceled Mass Effect: Universe as part of the decision to prioritize Star Wars Battlefront 3.
Has Star Wars Battlefront 3 started development?
No. Bloomberg reports that Star Wars Battlefront 3 has not yet begun development.
Why did EA close BioWare?
Bloomberg's sources cite several reasons, and the report notes EA's $18 billion in debt following its acquisition as a factor in reviewing its portfolio.