Avi Lewis Advocates for BioWare Employee Buyback Following Studio Closure
- Canada’s NDP leader Avi Lewis criticized private equity after EA’s recent closure of BioWare.
- Lewis proposed that BioWare employees should receive federal support to buy and manage the studio.
- The closure resulted in 400 job losses across several studios due to EA’s leveraged buyout.
In response to Electronic Arts’ closure of BioWare last week, Avi Lewis, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, voiced his concerns over the dangers of private equity. He stated that BioWare employees should be granted the opportunity to acquire the studio, ideally with “federal support.”
Lewis expressed his disapproval on Bluesky, articulating, “This is private equity, this is what it does. Buy up businesses, run them into the ground, and rip them apart for short-term profit.”
He emphasized that the developers at BioWare possess the expertise necessary to run the studio and create beloved games, stating, “They should be given the first opportunity – and the federal support – to buy it and run it themselves.”
This commentary on both private equity and support for BioWare employees follows the recent acquisition of EA through a record-breaking leveraged buyout by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group and Jared Kushner’s private equity firm. Consequently, the closure of BioWare resulted in 400 job losses across various studios, including Respawn, Maxis, and Full Circle.
There has been a noticeable increase in political discourse regarding the video game industry. In September, a Mexican lawmaker advocated for stronger consumer rights for digital goods following Sony’s transition away from physical discs. In a similar vein, British parliament discussed the sudden closure of Concord and issues surrounding consumer rights, along with Rockstar’s tribunal regarding dismissed workers. This trend may reflect the rise of a new generation of digitally engaged politicians who aim to connect with younger voters invested in the gaming industry.
Avi Lewis was not alone in expressing his sentiments about BioWare’s closure; numerous individuals from the gaming industry shared their sorrow, frustration, and support, including prominent figures from Larian, CD Projekt Red, and Warren Spector.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
