# BioWare

> Canadian video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q219758](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219758)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bioware

## Summary  
BioWare is a Canadian video game developer known for creating critically acclaimed role-playing games (RPGs). Founded in 1995, it is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, and operates as a subsidiary of Electronic Arts. The studio is renowned for franchises like *Dragon Age* and *Mass Effect*, emphasizing deep storytelling and player choice.

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: February 1995 in Edmonton, Canada.  
- **Headquarters**: Located at 1800-10423 101 ST NW, Edmonton, Alberta (T5H-0E7).  
- **Parent Company**: Acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2007.  
- **Employees**: Approximately 800 as of 2010.  
- **Notable Games**: Developed *Dragon Age II* (2011) and *Jade Empire* (2005).  
- **Industry**: Specializes in video game development, particularly RPGs.  
- **Legal Form**: Operates as a joint-stock company.  
- **Social Media**: Active on Twitter (@bioware), Facebook, Instagram (@biowarebase), and YouTube.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What type of games does BioWare develop?  
A: BioWare specializes in role-playing games (RPGs), particularly narrative-driven titles with branching storylines and player choice, such as the *Dragon Age* and *Mass Effect* series.  

### Q: When was BioWare acquired by Electronic Arts?  
A: BioWare became a subsidiary of Electronic Arts (EA) on October 11, 2007.  

### Q: Where is BioWare headquartered?  
A: BioWare is based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with additional studios like BioWare Austin.  

## Why It Matters  
BioWare has significantly influenced the RPG genre by prioritizing immersive storytelling, complex characters, and player agency. Its games, such as *Mass Effect* and *Dragon Age*, set benchmarks for narrative depth and world-building, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. The studio’s innovations in dialogue systems and branching narratives have inspired other developers, shaping modern RPG design. As part of EA, BioWare continues to produce high-profile titles, maintaining its reputation as a leader in interactive storytelling.  

## Notable For  
- Pioneering narrative-driven RPGs with player choice mechanics.  
- Creating iconic franchises like *Mass Effect* and *Dragon Age*.  
- Winning multiple awards for storytelling and game design.  
- Maintaining a strong fanbase despite industry shifts.  
- Operating as one of Canada’s most prominent game developers.  

## Body  
### Founding and Early History  
- Founded in February 1995 by Greg Zeschuk, Trent Oster, Brent Oster, and Augustine Yip.  
- Originally based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  

### Key Franchises  
- **Dragon Age**: Launched in 2009, known for its dark fantasy setting and moral choices.  
- **Mass Effect**: Debuted in 2007, blending RPG elements with third-person shooter mechanics.  
- **Jade Empire**: Released in 2005, a martial arts-themed action RPG.  

### Corporate Structure  
- Acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2007.  
- Operates as a joint-stock company under EA’s portfolio.  

### Studio Locations  
- **Primary Studio**: Edmonton, Alberta.  
- **BioWare Austin**: Focused on live-service games like *Star Wars: The Old Republic*.  

### Technical and Creative Contributions  
- Developed the *Infinity Engine* for early RPGs like *Baldur’s Gate*.  
- Innovated dialogue wheels and morality systems in *Mass Effect*.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "BioWare",
  "description": "Canadian video game developer known for role-playing games like Dragon Age and Mass Effect.",
  "url": "https://www.bioware.com/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q863137",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioWare"
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  "foundingDate": "1995-02",
  "founder": [
    "Greg Zeschuk",
    "Trent Oster",
    "Brent Oster",
    "Augustine Yip"
  ],
  "parentOrganization": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Electronic Arts"
  },
  "location": {
    "@type": "Place",
    "address": {
      "@type": "PostalAddress",
      "streetAddress": "1800-10423 101 ST NW",
      "addressLocality": "Edmonton",
      "addressRegion": "Alberta",
      "postalCode": "T5H-0E7",
      "addressCountry": "Canada"
    }
  },
  "industry": "Video game industry"
}

## References

1. LastDodo
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. MusicBrainz
5. National Software Reference Library
6. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20110713030058/http://www.industrygamers.com/news/bioware-on-rpg-success-old-republic-natal-and-more/2)
7. Instagram
8. Facebook profile
9. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
10. YouTube channel
11. Quora
12. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/BioWare-PPP8Y)
13. YouTube API
14. VideoGameGeek
15. Video Games Chronicle