BioWare Closes as LGBT Players Recall Dragon Age and Mass Effect

Canadian studio BioWare, creator of Dragon Age and Mass Effect, ceased operations on October 30, 2026, Xtra reports. Its owner, publisher Electronic Arts, announced the closure of the studio and its Edmonton office on October 21. Development of the next Mass Effect has ended.

In its statement, EA attributed the decision to concentrating resources on fewer large projects. BioWare also confirmed its closure, thanking players for supporting more than thirty years of work.

Xtra interviewed LGBT fans of its games. Canadian actor and filmmaker Emily Schooley said romancing Leliana in Dragon Age: Origins was her first experience of a relationship with a woman in a game. Artist Chelbizzaro highlighted being able to create a character they could identify with and participate in romantic storylines.

The interviewees intend to keep creating and preserving fanworks. BioWare’s series included same-sex romances; Dragon Age: The Veilguard featured the non-binary character Taash.