BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures. This significant 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 development. Last week's EA restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some The Veilguard staff being transferred to other EA studios. Game Developer reported that Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, moved to Full Circle's Skate project, while senior writer Sheryl Chee transitioned to Motive's Iron Man project.
These staff transfers, initially described as temporary, are now permanent relocations, according to Bloomberg. However, other employees confirmed layoffs and are currently seeking new employment. Several BioWare developers publicly announced their departures on social media, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm.
This latest reduction follows 2023 layoffs and the departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche last month. While EA provided a vague response regarding the impact of the changes, Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. BioWare staff reportedly consider the completion of The Veilguard a remarkable achievement given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented The Veilguard's troubled development, including previous layoffs and the departure of key personnel.
Concerns about the future of the Dragon Age franchise are growing among fans. One former BioWare writer offered a message of reassurance, suggesting the series' future rests in the hands of its fanbase.
Regarding Mass Effect, EA confirmed a core team at BioWare, led by veterans of the original trilogy (including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley), is developing the next installment.
