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As EA kills Mass Effect 5, BioWare co-founder slams "weird belief" you can "recreate great games with random people and AI" – "It doesn't work"
Following the cancellation of Mass Effect 5 and layoffs at BioWare, co-founder Greg Zeschuk criticized the industry's reliance on executives who lack game development experience and a "weird belief" in recreating games with AI. The article highlights concerns about morale at Electronic Arts amid ongoing layoffs and the publisher's embrace of AI tools.
EA morale hits a new low amid AI push and BioWare closure: "A cold dead place that's slowly decaying as leadership pilfers every last cent"
Morale at Electronic Arts is reportedly at an all-time low following recent layoffs and the closure of BioWare's studio. Employees describe the layoff process as impersonal and disruptive, with management pushing generative AI tools despite employee concerns. The publisher's acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has also led to significant cost-cutting measures.
223,000+ people sign petition to "save Mass Effect"
Over 223,000 people have signed a Change.org petition urging Electronic Arts to commit to the continued development of the Mass Effect franchise. The petition was started in response to EA's announcement of closing BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and cancelling the next Mass Effect project. The petitioners suggest EA either properly fund and staff the franchise or license the intellectual property to another studio.
'Save Mass Effect' petition hits over 180,000 signatures within days of BioWare's closure
A petition to save the Mass Effect series has garnered over 180,000 signatures following the reported closure of BioWare and cancellation of Mass Effect 5. The petition urges Electronic Arts to commit to the series' continued development or license the IP to another studio. Fans express deep disappointment and a strong desire for the franchise's survival.
Mass Effect TV Show Still Going Ahead After EA Cancels Mass Effect 5 And Closes BioWare, Report Says
A report indicates that Electronic Arts has closed BioWare and canceled the development of Mass Effect 5, despite the ongoing production of a Mass Effect TV show for Prime Video. Key creative personnel remain attached to the television project, which has been in development since 2021. The studio closure and game cancellation follow EA's privatization and subsequent cost-saving measures, which also led to layoffs and the halt of other projects like a new The Sims game.
"Development on the next Mass Effect is ending": EA is shutting down RPG veteran Bioware "to align talent and investments where we see the greatest opportunities for players and long-term growth"
Bioware, the veteran RPG studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, is shutting down after over 30 years, with development on the next Mass Effect project also ending. Electronic Arts cited a need to align talent and investments for long-term growth, leading to 400 layoffs across EA, including 50 at Bioware. This closure follows concerns about the high cost and long production times of Bioware's large-scale games and comes after EA's recent leveraged buyout.
RIP BioWare: EA has shut down the legendary RPG developer
Electronic Arts has shut down the legendary RPG developer BioWare, founded in 1995 and known for the Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age series. The closure follows a recent acquisition of EA by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and comes amid broader layoffs at EA. Plans for a new Mass Effect game have also been cancelled.
Electronic Arts' leveraged buyout faces a bondholder battle
Electronic Arts is facing a dispute with bondholders following its recent leveraged buyout by a consortium including the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The significant debt taken on for the acquisition may weaken EA's credit profile, prompting some bondholders to demand repayment exceeding 101 percent of the principal.
Saudi Arabia's PIF reportedly considering to combine EA with Savvy Games Group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts (EA) with its subsidiary, Savvy Games Group, to improve coordination between its assets. This potential merger is unlikely to proceed until Savvy completes its $6 billion acquisition of Moonton. EA's acquisition by the PIF was finalized last month, with assurances that creative control and player-first values would remain intact.
EA’s New Owners Are Considering Merger With Savvy Games – Rumor
Following its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake, Electronic Arts' new owners are reportedly considering a merger with Savvy Games. This potential consolidation aims to better capitalize on global gaming franchises like Madden NFL and Pokémon Go. While no final decision has been made, the merger is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.
Mass Effect Team Can Make a Great Game if Left Alone, Says Former Cinematic Designer
Former Mass Effect cinematic designer Armando Troisi believes the current BioWare team can create a great new Mass Effect game if left to their own devices, citing the presence of original developers. He contrasts this with the challenges of the live-service era and corporate interference, expressing optimism for BioWare's ability to excel at narrative-driven RPGs. However, concerns are raised about Electronic Arts' financial situation and potential focus on live-service titles.
Will the next Mass Effect actually release under EA's new owners? 'I'll believe it when I see it,' says former EA manager turned Newzoo analyst
Following Electronic Arts' acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, industry analyst Emmanuel Rosier expressed uncertainty about the future of the company's less prominent intellectual properties and studios like BioWare. Rosier suggests that EA might sell off dormant IPs such as Ultima and Wing Commander or focus heavily on sports titles and esports due to regional interests.
EA employees brace for the worst under Saudi ownership: 'Hard to feel good about being bought out by a regime that's very much at odds with progressive society'
Employees at Electronic Arts are reportedly concerned about potential content restrictions following the company's acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Despite reassurances, staff fear a crackdown on diverse and inclusive game content, with some citing concerns over human rights and the practice of sportswashing.
EA devs feel "the threat of layoffs at all times," especially after Saudi Arabia acquisition: "It's hard to see how teams or games that underperform wouldn't be dissolved"
Electronic Arts developers are experiencing heightened anxiety regarding potential layoffs following the company's $55 billion acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Employees fear that underperforming teams and games may be dissolved to cut costs and manage debt, despite assurances of no immediate changes.
EA staff fear new Saudi Arabia owners will police their games: "Projects just won't get signed because they don't align explicitly with what the Saudi government wants"
Employees at Electronic Arts are concerned that the company's new owners, primarily Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, will impose content restrictions based on the country's standards. Staff fear that projects may not be approved if they do not align with the Saudi government's views, particularly regarding social issues like LGBT representation, which is criminalized in Saudi Arabia. Despite reassurances from EA, employees find the responses unsatisfactory and worry about job security and creative freedom.
EA Is Now Privately Owned After a Record $55 Billion Buyout What It Means for Players | Gamedoper
Electronic Arts has been acquired for $55 billion by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, making it the largest all-cash leveraged buyout in history. This move takes EA private, removing public shareholder oversight and potentially allowing for longer-term investments, with a focus on AI in game development highlighted by Silver Lake. While EA's current game pipeline remains unaffected, the long-term impact on monetization and game development strategies under the new ownership is yet to be seen.
"If I was buying BioWare, I would want everything": Former Dragon Age lead thinks "there are several ways" the developer survives EA's $55 billion buyout, but none are pretty
Former BioWare executive Mark Darrah discusses potential scenarios for the studio's survival following Electronic Arts' acquisition by the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. He suggests that BioWare might be sold off with its IPs and technology, or its IPs could be sold individually, though he expresses concern about the overall impact on the developer and its catalog.
Saudi Arabia’s $55 Billion EA Takeover Casts a Shadow Over Mass Effect 5
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has acquired a controlling stake in Electronic Arts for $55 billion, taking the publisher private. This acquisition raises concerns among fans and developers about potential censorship and changes to inclusive content in franchises like Mass Effect and The Sims, particularly given the country's laws regarding homosexuality. The future of Mass Effect 5, currently in early development at BioWare, is now uncertain under new ownership.
EA appoints new COO and chief studio officer after closing $55 billion acquisition
Electronic Arts has officially gone private following the completion of its $55 billion acquisition by Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and Saudi PI. CEO Andrew Wilson announced leadership changes, appointing David Tinson as Chief Operating Officer and Cam Weber as Chief Studio Officer. The deal closed on August 4th after clearing regulatory hurdles.
"Mass Layoffs" May Follow EA Sale
Following the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, discussions have turned to potential mass layoffs. The article suggests that significant workforce reductions may occur as a result of the sale.