Electronic Arts’ future could be heading toward one of the biggest shakeups in the company’s history if a new insider report proves accurate. According to industry insider Mike Straw, EA’s new ownership is considering selling BioWare and potentially other valuable intellectual properties as part of a broader effort to slash costs following the company’s recent acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
While none of these reported plans have been officially confirmed by EA, the claims come at a time when the publisher has already acknowledged significant cost-cutting measures and layoffs are on the horizon.
Insider Claims BioWare Could Be Sold
The report originates from industry insider Mike Straw, who stated on BlueSky that EA’s new leadership is looking at far more dramatic restructuring than just workforce reductions.
According to Straw, BioWare is among the studios that could either be sold outright or shut down as EA attempts to reduce annual spending by roughly $700 million.
A screenshot from Mass Effect Legendary Edition (2021), BioWare
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He also claimed that EA may look to sell off some of the intellectual properties currently under its control, although he did not specify which franchises are being considered.
If accurate, it would represent one of the most significant changes in EA’s modern history.
For BioWare specifically, such a move would place the future of Mass Effect and Dragon Age into serious question.
This Isn’t The First Time BioWare Has Reportedly Been On The Market
What makes this latest rumor particularly interesting is that similar reports surfaced less than a year ago.
Following the commercial disappointment of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, reports claimed EA quietly explored selling BioWare before ultimately abandoning those discussions.
Instead, the publisher chose to continue investing in the studio, greenlighting continued development of the next Mass Effect while publicly signaling confidence in the franchise’s future.
At the time, that appeared to settle speculation surrounding BioWare’s future.
If Mike Straw’s latest claims are accurate, however, the studio may once again be on the chopping block—only this time under entirely different ownership.
BioWare’s Legacy Still Carries Enormous Value
Regardless of BioWare’s struggles over the last decade, the studio remains one of gaming’s most recognizable developers.
The company built its reputation through franchises including:
- Mass Effect
- Dragon Age
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Jade Empire
- Baldur’s Gate (original series)
A screenshot from Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024), BioWare
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While recent releases have divided fans, few studios possess BioWare’s history or the long-term value attached to its intellectual property.
That is precisely why selling the developer would likely attract significant interest across the gaming industry if EA ever decided to move forward.
Saudi Ownership Is Already Bringing Major Changes
These reports arrive shortly after EA officially became a private company following its acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The takeover reportedly left the publisher carrying substantial debt, prompting executives to begin an aggressive cost-cutting initiative.
A screenshot from Mass Effect Legendary Edition (2021), BioWare
EA has already indicated it intends to reduce annual expenses by approximately $700 million, with layoffs expected over the coming year.
If Straw’s information proves accurate, workforce reductions may only be the first phase of a much larger restructuring effort. Selling studios or valuable franchises would certainly generate significant cash while reducing long-term operating expenses.
What Happens To Mass Effect?
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding any potential BioWare sale is the future of Mass Effect 5.
The next installment remains in development, although BioWare has shared relatively little about the project beyond confirming it is actively being worked on.
A screenshot from Mass Effect Legendary Edition (2021), BioWare
A sale during development would create obvious uncertainty.
Depending on how any transaction was structured, EA could retain ownership of the franchise while selling the development studio, or it could potentially sell both together.
At this stage, there is simply no public evidence indicating which approach—if any—is actually being considered.
For Now, It’s Still Just A Rumor
As significant as these claims are, it’s important to emphasize that EA has not announced any plans to sell BioWare or any of its major franchises.
The current report comes solely from industry insider Mike Straw.
A screenshot from Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024), BioWare
However, given that BioWare was reportedly explored as a sale candidate following Dragon Age: The Veilguard and EA is openly pursuing major cost reductions under its new ownership, the rumor is likely to generate considerable discussion among fans.
Whether anything ultimately comes from it remains to be seen.
If BioWare were to leave EA after nearly two decades, it would mark the end of one of gaming’s longest-running publisher-developer relationships—and could fundamentally reshape the future of franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
Do you think EA will sell BioWare? Sound off and let us know!
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