After the completion of the acquisition of Electronic Arts by the Saudi Arabian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the company embarked on a large-scale cost-cutting program. Against this backdrop, new rumors have emerged about the possible sale of BioWare studio and some of EA's gaming franchises.
The information was shared by insider Mike Straw. Answering a user's question, he stated that EA expects massive staff reductions within the next 12 months. According to him, the management is also considering closing or selling individual studios, among which BioWare is named.
In addition, the insider claims that EA may put some of its intellectual property up for sale. Which franchises might be part of a possible deal is still unknown. However, if BioWare is indeed sold, well-known series such as Mass Effect and Dragon Age could also transfer to the new owner along with the studio.
It is worth noting that similar rumors already appeared last autumn. At that time, it was reported that EA was allegedly looking for a buyer for BioWare after the commercial failure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, but the deal did not go through. Instead, the publisher gave the "green light" to the development of Mass Effect 5, which, according to official company statements, is still in production.
Now, after the completion of a multi-billion dollar ownership change deal and the announced course for cost reduction, the situation may have changed. Earlier, former BioWare lead writer Patrick Weekes also expressed concerns that under the new leadership, the studio's future would be at risk.