EA closes BioWare, cancels Mass Effect sequel, as part of a 400-job restructuring post its buyout.
Today’s gaming news is dominated by a major restructuring at Electronic Arts (EA), which involves the closure of the iconic game developer BioWare and the cancellation of the anticipated next installment in the Mass Effect series. This move is part of a broader shake-up that affects about 400 employees, as EA continues to transition following its buyout by a Saudi-led investment group earlier this year.
According to multiple reports from GamesHub and The Verge, the decision to close BioWare comes in the wake of EA’s $55 billion acquisition by private investors, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. BioWare, known for its influential RPG titles such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, has been a significant player in the gaming industry for decades. The cancellation of the next Mass Effect game has particularly sent ripples through the gaming community.
Xbox’s New Streaming Option
Meanwhile, over at Microsoft, Xbox is experimenting with new ways to deliver gaming experiences. As reported by GamesHub, Xbox Insiders can now purchase prepaid cloud streaming packs, which don’t require a Game Pass subscription. This initiative, currently available to Insiders, allows players to buy 10-hour playtime blocks starting at US$3.99, with a broader rollout expected in November. This move could widen access to Xbox’s cloud gaming services and offer more flexible options for users reluctant to commit to a subscription.
Supernatural VR Resurgence
In VR news, the workout game Supernatural is making a comeback after Meta ceased new content creation for it earlier. Now relaunching independently as an Early Access title on the Meta Horizon Store, Supernatural is expanding its availability of “remastered” and new workouts. As The Verge reports, the new version of the app comes with a significant price hike from $9.99 to $20 per month or $200 annually. Weekly updates with new workouts are planned to keep users engaged.
Record-Breaking Pokémon Collectibles
In a lighter story, GameRant highlights Pokémon’s impressive milestone, achieving a world record during the franchise’s 30th anniversary celebrations. This involves an Eeveelution-themed collectible evidently reaching a monumental status among fans and collectors. Pokémon’s enduring appeal and the continued expansion of its universe keep the franchise thriving as it heads into its fourth decade.
Overall, the gaming landscape today is marked by significant shifts, from major studio closures to innovative business models, challenging how companies reach and engage with their audiences. The impact of these changes will likely ripple across the industry in the months to come.
