Studio Closure
Ongoing coverage on Studio Closure.
Latest coverage
BioWare Co-Founder Speaks Out on Studio Closure, Mass Effect Cancellation
BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk has commented on the recent closure of the studio, which resulted in 50 job losses and the cancellation of Mass Effect 5, internally codenamed Mass Effect: Universe. The article highlights the significant impact of these events on the company and its projects.
Assassin's Creed and Halo veteran who served as Mass Effect 5's art director says it's "heartbreaking" to see the team BioWare built split apart: "We were good at this"
Nicolas Bouvier, former art director for the canceled Mass Effect 5 and veteran of Assassin's Creed and Halo, expressed heartbreak over the closure of BioWare and the loss of the team's potential. He described the studio as a tightly knit and talented group whose work on the next Mass Effect installment will never be released.
Time could be running out for Arkane
Arkane Lyon is reportedly facing potential closure by Microsoft by November 13, following a month-long extension to find a buyer. This comes after Xbox laid off thousands of employees and shut down Ninja Theory. While Microsoft states the closure documents are part of a required consultation process, the studio's future remains uncertain as it continues development on Marvel's Blade.
Arkane Lyon Unions Seek More Time to Find Buyer and Save 217 Jobs
Arkane Lyon is seeking a buyer within a three-month window to prevent closure following Xbox's announcement. Despite claims of financial issues, the studio is still developing Marvel's Blade, and employees are actively looking for potential paths to save the studio and its 217 jobs.
Marvel's Blade 'nearing the end' of production as Arkane faces closure
Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, faces potential closure by November 13, 2026, if a buyer is not found, as part of Microsoft's broader Xbox layoffs. The studio's upcoming game, Marvel's Blade, is reportedly nearing the end of its production phase, leading to concerns about the financial and artistic waste if the studio is shut down.
Arkane Lyon Could Be Shut Down Within Weeks As Deadline To Find A Buyer Looms
Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Marvel's Blade, is reportedly facing closure if a buyer is not found by November 13. Microsoft is obligated to search for a buyer under French law, but negotiations are reportedly not going well. The studio has a 27-year history, having developed titles like Dishonored and Deathloop.
EA Could Sell BioWare’s IP As It Looks To Tackle Its Massive Debt, Former Studio Boss Says
Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah suggested that Electronic Arts might sell off BioWare's intellectual property, including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Jade Empire, to help manage its $55 billion debt. This comes after EA announced the closure of BioWare and significant layoffs, leaving the future of these beloved franchises uncertain.
Ex-BioWare boss and Mass Effect director Casey Hudson says he'll 'forever be grateful' for his time at the studio: 'Its legacy will live on'
EA has announced the closure of BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, alongside layoffs affecting around 400 employees. Former BioWare director Casey Hudson expressed sadness but gratitude for the studio's legacy, highlighting its impact on unforgettable stories and characters. Other industry figures like Warren Spector reacted negatively to the closure.
Game dev plans affected by Electronic Arts firings take clearer shape as fans and devs mourn BioWare’s end
Electronic Arts has laid off hundreds of employees and shut down the legendary BioWare studio, impacting various game development projects including The Sims and Star Wars titles. The decision has drawn strong criticism from former employees and industry figures, with many lamenting the loss of BioWare's legacy in RPGs like Dragon Age and Mass Effect.
"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.
Former BioWare Executive Producer Mark Darrah Says EA Might Be 'More Likely' to Sell IPs Like Mass Effect and Dragon Age After Studio’s Closure
Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah suggests that Electronic Arts might be more inclined to sell off intellectual properties like Mass Effect and Dragon Age following the closure of its studios. Darrah, who worked at BioWare for over two decades, shared his perspective on the potential future of these iconic game franchises.
EA’s New Mass Effect Game Is Being Canceled for a Heartbreaking Reason
Electronic Arts is shutting down its BioWare studio and cutting 400 jobs as part of a cost-reduction strategy, leading to the cancellation of the next Mass Effect game. This move, affecting 50 BioWare employees, comes after previous underperforming titles like Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, and a recent sales shortfall for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. EA is also canceling The Sims' Project Lotus, shifting focus to Project Evergreen, while continuing support for franchises like Apex Legends and Battlefield.
BioWare is closing down and Mass Effect 5 is cancelled, months after Saudi Arabia's $55bn EA buyout
BioWare, the acclaimed RPG developer behind titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, is closing down, with its in-development Mass Effect 5 project also cancelled. This surprising decision comes just months after its parent company, Electronic Arts, was acquired by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The closure marks the end of an era for the studio, which has been a prominent name in the industry for over three decades.
EA cancels new Mass Effect, closes BioWare after being bought by Saudi Arabia
Electronic Arts studio BioWare is closing down after 30 years, with early development on the next Mass Effect project also ending. The closure follows EA's acquisition by private investors led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, sparking concerns about layoffs and studio shutdowns.
BioWare, makers of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, is shutting down and its next game is canceled
BioWare, the acclaimed studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, is reportedly shutting down. The announcement also states that the studio's next unannounced game has been canceled.
Ubisoft’s latest round of layoffs shuts down another studio and cuts into Skull and Bones staff
Ubisoft has announced another round of layoffs, impacting over 100 employees. The company is closing its Finnish studio RedLynx, known for the Trials series, resulting in 52 job losses. Additionally, 70 jobs are being cut from Ubisoft Singapore, the developer of Skull and Bones, as part of a restructuring into a 'Creative Houses' model.
Trials Studio Facing Closure, Ubisoft Singapore to Get Hit by Layoffs Impacting 70 Employees – Rumor
Ubisoft is reportedly planning to close its Finland-based studio RedLynx, known for the Trials franchise, resulting in 52 job cuts. Additionally, Ubisoft Singapore will undergo layoffs impacting 70 employees as part of a larger restructuring effort. These decisions come as Ubisoft aims to streamline operations and manage its workforce effectively.
Ninja Theory developers announce they are facing redundancy, as the studio starts laying off staff following widespread Xbox cuts
Ninja Theory developers are facing redundancy as the studio begins layoffs following widespread cuts at Xbox. Despite attempts to sell the studio, proposed sale agreements fell through, leading to a consultation process and eventual job losses. This news comes after Xbox announced a major restructuring and 3,200 planned job cuts.
Former Halo leaders lament effective closure of Halo Studios, as one employee finds themselves promoted and fired in same week
Microsoft has drastically downsized Halo Studios, leading to significant layoffs and the effective closure of the studio, with major Halo development shifting to Activision. Former leaders Bonnie Ross and Kiki Wolfkill expressed their dismay, while employee Josh Daniels described being promoted and laid off in the same week. The cuts impact hundreds of employees across various roles, with only a small support team remaining at Halo Studios.
Studio Behind PS3, PS4 Games on the Verge of Closure
Microsoft's Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and DmC: Devil May Cry, is reportedly on the verge of closure. An internal memo from Xbox CCO Matt Booty indicates that negotiations have fallen through, and the company will begin consultations with employees regarding a proposed closure, despite exploring other potential paths forward. This comes as part of a wider restructuring at Microsoft that includes significant job cuts.
