BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures. This reduction comes after the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a company restructuring prioritizing the development of the next Mass Effect game.
Bloomberg reported BioWare employed over 200 individuals two years ago during The Veilguard's production. Last week's EA restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some The Veilguard staff being transferred to other EA studios. According to Game Developer, The Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, moved to Full Circle's Skate project, while senior writer Sheryl Chee transitioned to Motive's Iron Man development.
These staff transfers, initially described as temporary assignments, are now permanent relocations, severing their ties with BioWare. Additionally, several 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 2023 layoffs and the departure of The Veilguard director Corinne Busche last month.
EA's response to inquiries regarding the impact of these changes remained vague, stating the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development, without providing specific numbers. Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. According to Jason Schreier's Bloomberg report, BioWare staff consider the completion of The Veilguard a remarkable achievement given the challenges imposed by EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented The Veilguard's development hurdles, including previous layoffs and the departure of key personnel.
Concerns about the future of the Dragon Age franchise are rising among fans. One former BioWare writer offered a message of hope, stating, “Dragon Age isn't dead because it's yours now.”
EA confirmed a core team at BioWare, led by veterans of the original Mass Effect trilogy (including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley), is developing the next Mass Effect title.
