BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures. This reduction follows the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a company restructuring prioritizing the development of the next Mass Effect title.
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. 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 development.
These staff movements, initially described as temporary assignments, are now permanent relocations, according to Bloomberg. However, other employees confirmed layoffs and job searches. Several BioWare developers publicly announced their departures 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.
BioWare experienced previous layoffs in 2023, and The Veilguard's director, Corinne Busche, left the studio last month. EA's response to inquiries regarding the impact of these changes remained vague, stating the studio is appropriately staffed for Mass Effect's current development phase, without providing specific numbers. Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs.
Jason Schreier's Bloomberg report highlights BioWare staff's perspective that The Veilguard's completion was a remarkable achievement given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel.
Concerns regarding the future of the Dragon Age franchise are rising among fans. One former BioWare writer commented, "Dragon Age isn't dead because it's yours now," suggesting a potential community-driven future for the series.
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 game.
