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 corporate restructuring prioritizing the next Mass Effect game.
Two years ago, during the height of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development, BioWare employed over 200 people. Last week's EA restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some Veilguard staff being transferred to other EA studios. For example, Veilguard's Creative Director, John Epler, moved to Full Circle to work on the upcoming Skate game, while Senior Writer Sheryl Chee transitioned to Motive Studio's Iron Man project.
These staff movements, initially described as temporary assignments, are now permanent relocations, meaning these individuals are no longer considered BioWare employees. However, other employees have confirmed layoffs, taking to social media to announce their job searches. Among them are 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 recent departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche.
EA's response to inquiries regarding the exact number of affected employees remained vague, stating that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development. Bloomberg, however, reported approximately two dozen layoffs. According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, BioWare staff viewed the completion of Dragon Age: The Veilguard as a remarkable achievement given the challenges posed by initial live-service mandates and subsequent course corrections. IGN has previously documented Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development struggles, including previous layoffs and the departure of key project leads.
While concerns mount among Dragon Age fans, a former BioWare writer offered a message of hope, stating, “Dragon Age isn't dead because it's yours now.” EA assures fans that a core team of veteran developers from the original Mass Effect trilogy, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others, are leading the development of the next Mass Effect game.
