Electronic Arts to shut down Edmonton's BioWare after more than 30 years
CBC reported early on Thursday that Electronic Arts is shutting down the popular Edmonton-based game development studio BioWare. The report says the studio has operated for more than 30 years. EA is the publisher closing it. The story was also carried in Canadian headline listings on Thursday morning. The report as summarized does not give the number of employees affected or the date of closure.
BioWare is one of the best-known game studios in Canada, so a closure after three decades removes a long-standing name from Edmonton's technology sector. Decisions by a large publisher can end studios regardless of their history or reputation.
If you work in games in Alberta, the closure may affect hiring in the local industry. Players of BioWare's games should watch for statements from EA on what happens to its titles and support.
The reporting presents the closure as a business decision by Electronic Arts, the owner and publisher. That view treats the studio as one asset in a larger company.
The description of BioWare as popular and more than 30 years old points to a different view, in which the loss is cultural and local to Edmonton. The coverage frames the closure as the end of a long run.
Confirmed: EA is shutting BioWare, which has operated more than 30 years. Not confirmed: job losses, timing or the future of BioWare's games. Watch for an EA statement and any response from Alberta officials.
DailyDrop Canada edition No. 18 · Morning · THU., OCT. 22, 2026