Petition Launched to Save BioWare Amid Closure by EA

In response to the recent closure of BioWare by its parent company Electronic Arts (EA), a concerted effort has emerged to save the iconic video game developer. The initiative has garnered significant attention, particularly after a related fan-made petition amassed over 300,000 signatures, prompting a formal governmental petition seeking to secure BioWare’s future.

Government Support for BioWare’s Independence

The official petition, labeled e-7898, was spearheaded by Brendan Routh, a resident of Burnaby, British Columbia, and has been sponsored by Don Davies, the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Kingsway. The petition primarily advocates for the Canadian government to offer financial resources to BioWare, enabling it to regain control over its intellectual properties and operations.

Davies emphasizes the cultural significance of BioWare, stating, “BioWare has cultivated an international following from their renowned video game franchises like Mass Effect, Baldur’s Gate, and Dragon Age. Canada’s video game industry creates some of our most important cultural exports, and BioWare was among our biggest success stories.” He further criticized EA’s management approach, which, according to him, includes acquiring smaller developers, imposing unrealistic deadlines, and compromising game quality through excessive corporate interference.

Key Aspects of the Petition

The petition aims to address broader concerns regarding foreign corporate influence on Canadian businesses. Key requests included in the document are:

• Provision of capital by the Canadian government to allow BioWare to secure its independence.
• Protection of Canadian businesses from dominant foreign corporate interests.
• Advocacy for the values of inclusivity, tolerance, and justice, reflecting Canada’s national identity through BioWare’s contributions.

At the time of writing, the petition has reached nearly 3,000 signatures, falling short of the required 500 to be brought before the House of Commons. However, the momentum already established by the larger petition suggests potential for substantial legislative discussion on the matter.

Momentum and Future Prospects

Davies has been vocal on social media platforms, arguing against the pattern of U.S. companies acquiring Canadian entities and subsequently shuttering them for profit. He stated, “The developers at BioWare know how to run their studio. They know how to make the games that fans love. They should be given the first opportunity – and the federal support – to buy it and run it themselves.”

Additionally, the closing of BioWare has spurred discussions among other politicians, including Avi Lewis, who have also proposed government assistance for the studio’s transition away from EA’s control. The growing dialogue around this issue indicates a collective desire to preserve a key player in the Canadian video game industry.

Conclusion

The future of BioWare rests on the outcomes of these petitions and the response from the Canadian government. The potential for an independent BioWare continues to capture the interest of both fans and industry stakeholders, as the beloved studio’s legacy hangs in the balance.

For further developments on this story, stay tuned for updates as advocacy continues to gain traction.