Plan to Save BioWare and Mass Effect Proposed by Canadian Politician
Avi Lewis, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, has proposed that BioWare employees be given the chance and federal support to buy the Edmonton studio from EA and run it independently. His comments follow reports that EA and its private equity investors have shut the developer, raising questions about the future of a studio known for Mass Effect and other major games.
Lewis’s party cannot make such a plan happen on its own, and no government buyout has been announced. Edmonton MP Eleanor Olszewski also voiced disappointment and said the government would work with partners to support local talent and Canada’s digital sector. BioWare has already lost many staff through studio closures and successive layoffs, so any revival would face a much smaller team than before.
In short
- Avi Lewis suggests federal support for a worker buyout of BioWare.
- No buyout plan has been announced, and his party lacks a Commons majority.
- Years of closures and layoffs have reduced the studio’s workforce.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Federal support for an employee buyout could preserve skilled jobs, keep creative work and intellectual property in Canada, and give experienced developers a chance to rebuild BioWare as an independent studio. Supporters could argue that public backing is justified where it helps retain local talent and sustain Canada’s digital sector, while leaving employees to lead the business.
The case against
Opponents could argue that public money should not be used to rescue a studio whose commercial prospects are uncertain, particularly after extensive staff losses and amid a difficult restructuring. A government-backed buyout could expose taxpayers to financial risk, favour one company over other businesses, and leave employees responsible for rebuilding a major studio without its former scale or resources.
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