BioWare's closure has now also caught the attention of politicians. According to IGN, Avi Lewis, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and thus one of Canada's major opposition parties, is demanding that the government save the studio. The developers should be given the opportunity to take it over themselves.
What Did Avi Lewis Say About BioWare?
Lewis wrote on X: „This is private equity, this is what it does. Buy up businesses, run them into the ground, and rip them apart for short-term profit.“ The developers at BioWare know how to run the studio and make the games fans love. „They should be given the first opportunity and government support to buy and operate it themselves.“ Private equity should be kept out of Canada, rather than welcomed.
What Did EA Decide Regarding BioWare?
On October 21, EA announced a major strategic shift and restructuring. Several projects were canceled, and BioWare in Edmonton was closed. Reports indicate that around 400 people are losing their jobs. Approximately 50 people were reportedly working on the next Mass Effect. We have already reported on this: EA closes BioWare, Mass Effect canceled.
Lewis links this to the approximately $55 billion acquisition of EA by a consortium consisting of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, which was approved in December 2025. Since then, according to IGN, EA has primarily focused on its biggest brands, predominantly Battlefield and its sports games.
Is a BioWare Rescue Realistic?
Our impression: rather unlikely, at least in the short term. Lewis is in opposition and holds no government power. His demand is a political signal. Furthermore, the question of rights arises: Mass Effect and Dragon Age belong to EA, not the developers. Whether EA would sell the brands is, according to IGN, an open question on which the magazine has consulted industry analysts.
Canada strongly supports game studios through tax breaks at both federal and provincial levels, so this push is no surprise. For fans, the main question remains whether Mass Effect even has a future after BioWare's closure. Just one day after the announcement, a trailer for the canceled game titled Mass Effect Universe surfaced.
Source: IGN
Should the government intervene with BioWare, or is that a matter for the market? Discuss with us in the comments!
Comments (0)
No comments yet — be the first to share your take.