Backing BioWare’s Fight for Autonomy
On November 7, 2023, Canadian Member of Parliament Don Davies publicly supported a petition aimed at helping BioWare regain its independence from Electronic Arts (EA). This movement gained momentum following EA’s closure of BioWare in October 2023 and the cancellation of the highly anticipated Mass Effect sequel. The petition, labeled e-7898, calls for support in acquiring and managing the studio independently. It was launched by Brendan Ruth from Burnaby, British Columbia, and attracted nearly 4,000 Canadian signatures within its first four days.
Representing the New Democratic Party of Canada, Don Davies highlighted that BioWare’s case is part of a larger trend:
“There’s a recurring pattern where American companies purchase Canadian businesses only to shut them down, resulting in job losses for Canadians.” – Don Davies
He further criticized the practices of major publishers acquiring smaller developers:
“Publishers like EA buy smaller studios, impose unrealistic deadlines, overburden employees, and interfere with development, which leads to a decline in game quality. When sales don’t meet expectations, they blame the developers, lay off staff, and ultimately close the studio to maximize short-term profits.” – Don Davies
Political Support Grows
Another Canadian politician, Avi Lewis, has also expressed willingness to assist BioWare. The petition e-7898 has already surpassed the 500-signature threshold required for review in the Canadian House of Commons. Additionally, a related fan petition on Change.org gathered over 308,000 signatures in less than three weeks. Don Davies urged the Canadian government to prioritize federal support for BioWare’s buyout and self-management efforts.
The BioWare situation sheds light on a widespread issue within the gaming industry, where large corporations like Electronic Arts frequently acquire smaller studios, often leading to job cuts and diminished product quality. This petition, which has resonated with both fans and politicians, represents not only a desire to preserve a beloved studio but also a broader push to protect Canadian jobs in game development. Success in this initiative could set a powerful precedent, encouraging more responsible management practices by major publishers and safeguarding the interests of developers and their employees.
As the movement to support BioWare gains traction, it's important to recognize the broader implications of EA's recent decisions. The significant backlash from fans, including over 95,000 signatures on a related petition, highlights the strong community desire for the studio's revival and independence. This growing support reflects a wider concern over the fate of creative studios under corporate ownership.