BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures, primarily stemming from the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a subsequent restructuring to prioritize the next Mass Effect title.
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 noted that The Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, transitioned to Full Circle's Skate project, while senior writer Sheryl Chee moved to Motive's Iron Man development.
This restructuring followed EA's announcement of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's underperformance, falling significantly short of projected player engagement. EA reported 1.5 million players during the recent financial quarter, approximately 50% below expectations.
Bloomberg clarified that initial staff "loans" to other studios are now permanent transfers, severing their BioWare affiliation. However, other employees confirmed layoffs and subsequent 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, departed last month. While EA provided a vague response to IGN's inquiry regarding specific layoff numbers, Bloomberg estimated approximately two dozen affected employees. BioWare staff reportedly view The Veilguard's completion as a remarkable achievement, given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including prior layoffs and the departure of key personnel.
Amidst fan concerns about the future of the Dragon Age series, a former BioWare writer offered reassurance, stating, "Dragon Age isn't dead because it's yours now."
Regarding Mass Effect, EA confirmed a core BioWare team, led by veterans from the original trilogy (including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley), is developing the next installment.
