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Bioware is closing after more than 30 years, and Electronic Arts is ending early development on the next Mass Effect<\/b>. The move is part of a wider restructuring, with EA saying it is concentrating its investment on fewer, larger projects.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to think of another studio that gave RPG fans such a run of memorable games. Bioware\u2019s late 1990s and 2000s output included Baldur\u2019s Gate<\/b>, Baldur\u2019s Gate II<\/b>, Neverwinter Nights<\/b>, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic<\/b> and Jade Empire<\/b>. It later created Mass Effect<\/b> and Dragon Age<\/b>, two series that gave players a big sci-fi and fantasy worlds respectively to explore.<\/p>\n
For me, Bioware\u2019s games had a particular kind of appeal \u2013 especially during its pre-EA days. Its game writing and stories were truly captivating, and characters it created were always memorable and made you, the player, invested in their developments. That mix helped make Bioware one of the best western studios when it comes to making story-driven RPGs.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s also why the studio\u2019s later years have been difficult to witness. Mass Effect: Andromeda had a mixed reception, Anthem failed to kick off, and Dragon Age: The Veilguard disappointed many fans. Not every game was a flop, and Bioware\u2019s legacy is much bigger than its more recent missteps. Still, the contrast with its earlier run is hard to ignore.<\/p>\n
EA says it will support affected staff as they look for opportunities within the company. Reports say around 50 Bioware employees are among about 400 EA staff affected by the wider cuts, although EA has not confirmed those figures.<\/p>\n
BioWare\u2019s farewell message thanked players for debating their choices, falling in love with its characters and making its worlds their own. That feels right. The studio gave players plenty to talk about, and its best games are still fondly remembered years later.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m truly heart-broken, as Bioware\u2019s games were a part of my gaming formative years. Now they are closing, and the next Mass Effect will not be made there.<\/p>\n
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