BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures. This significant reduction comes in the wake of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's release and a restructuring that prioritizes the next Mass Effect game.
Two years ago, during the height of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development, BioWare boasted a staff exceeding 200. Last week's EA restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some Veilguard team members being transferred to other EA studios. For example, Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, transitioned to Full Circle's Skate project, while senior writer Sheryl Chee moved to Motive to work on Iron Man.
This restructuring followed EA's announcement of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's underperformance, falling nearly 50% short of projected player engagement figures. EA reported only 1.5 million players during the recent financial quarter.
While initially described as temporary assignments, these staff transfers to other EA studios are now permanent relocations, meaning those individuals are no longer considered BioWare employees. Additionally, several BioWare developers confirmed layoffs on social media, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm. These departures follow earlier layoffs in 2023 and the departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche last month.
EA's response to inquiries regarding the exact number of affected individuals remained vague, stating only that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development. Bloomberg reported approximately two dozen layoffs. BioWare staff reportedly view the completion of Dragon Age: The Veilguard as a remarkable achievement, given the challenges imposed by EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development hurdles, including layoffs and the departure of key project leads.
Despite concerns among Dragon Age fans, a former BioWare writer offered a message of hope, suggesting the series' future is not necessarily doomed. EA confirmed that a core team of veterans from the original Mass Effect trilogy, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley, are leading development on the next Mass Effect game.
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