Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a restructuring of BioWare, the studio behind the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises. This restructuring involves reassigning several developers to other EA projects, allowing BioWare to concentrate solely on its upcoming Mass Effect title.
In a blog post, BioWare General Manager Gary McKay explained that the studio is using the period between major development cycles to reassess its operational structure. He stated that the current Mass Effect development phase doesn't require the entire studio's support. Many BioWare employees have been successfully transitioned to other suitable roles within EA. A smaller number of Dragon Age team members have had their positions terminated, but are being offered opportunities to apply for other roles within the company.
BioWare's organizational structure has undergone several changes in recent years, including layoffs in 2023 and several high-profile departures, most recently the departure of director Corinne Busche. The exact current size of BioWare's workforce remains undisclosed. While EA declined to provide specific numbers regarding impacted employees, layoffs, or remaining staff, a spokesperson stated that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current Mass Effect development stage, having prioritized the completion of Dragon Age: The Veilguard before shifting focus. The spokesperson emphasized that the studio's priority was Dragon Age, with a smaller team concurrently working on the next Mass Effect. Now, with The Veilguard released, the studio’s full attention is on Mass Effect.
The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages of development. BioWare's current strategy involves prioritizing single game development, with some developers who previously worked on Mass Effect temporarily assigned to Dragon Age to ensure its completion, now returning to the Mass Effect project. Veteran series developers Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley are leading the Mass Effect development.
This restructuring follows EA's announcement that Dragon Age: The Veilguard fell short of player targets by approximately 50%, contributing to a downward revision of the company's fiscal year guidance, alongside weaker-than-expected performance from EA Sports FC 25. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4.
