BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures, primarily attributed to the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a company restructuring focused on the next Mass Effect title.
Bloomberg reported BioWare employed over 200 individuals two years prior, during The Veilguard's peak development. Last week's EA-led restructuring prioritized Mass Effect 5, resulting in staff transfers to other EA studios. Game Developer cited the relocation of Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, to Full Circle's Skate project, and senior writer Sheryl Chee's move to Motive's Iron Man development.
This restructuring followed EA's announcement of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's underperformance, falling nearly 50% short of projected player engagement (1.5 million players reported). Bloomberg clarifies that initial staff "loans" to other EA studios have become permanent transfers, severing their BioWare affiliation. Simultaneously, several BioWare developers confirmed layoffs on social media, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm.
These recent events follow 2023 layoffs and the departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche last month. While EA provided a vague response to IGN's inquiry regarding specific numbers, Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, BioWare staff view The Veilguard's completion as a remarkable achievement, given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including prior layoffs and the departure of key personnel.
Amidst fan concerns, a former BioWare writer offered reassurance, 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 game.
