EA Layoffs 2025: BioWare Closure and 400 Job Cuts Expose Culture of Secrecy, Low Morale

Electronic Arts is cutting 400 jobs across its studios, including the closure of the legendary BioWare, leaving only a skeleton crew of around 50 people who were mostly let go. The move is part of a broader refocus on EA's top-grossing franchises, but current and former employees describe a workplace marred by secrecy and sinking morale. They say the company has become 'a cold dead place that's slowly decaying,' with little transparency about project cancellations or future plans. The layoffs hit multiple teams, and the shutdown of BioWare—known for Mass Effect and Dragon Age—marks the end of an era for narrative-driven games. For the industry, this signals a shift toward fewer, bigger bets and less tolerance for mid-size studios. As EA doubles down on live services and sports titles, the human cost is a demoralized workforce and a loss of creative diversity. What remains to be seen is whether this strategy will pay off or further erode the company's reputation among developers and players.