The announcement comes as EA restructured its other studio, BioWare — the developer of Dragon Age and Mass Effect — to focus on a future Mass Effect game. Many developers are being shuffled to other EA projects as part of this move.
In a blog post, BioWare general manager Gary McKay revealed that the studio is taking this opportunity between development cycles to reimagine its approach. BioWare is, however, in an early phase of development, and it simply doesn’t require the entire workforce of the studio right now, he explained.
BioWare Restructures, Shifts Focus to Mass Effect 5 as Developers Move to New EA Projects
Many developers from BioWare have been transferred to other teams within EA that had open roles suitable for their skills. Significantly fewer Dragon Age titles will be laid off, and they will have the opportunity for other roles at EA. The studio has experienced a number of shakeups in recent years, including a round of layoffs in 2023 and a number of notable departures, including the recent departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche. Despite BioWare’s current employee headcount being unclear,
When asked how the restructuring would affect the studio, EA wouldn’t disclose any specific numbers but stressed that the studio has the appropriate number of people working on Mass Effect at this point in its development. EA also announced that longstanding series veterans are now leading development on Mass Effect, with Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley all coming aboard.
This restructuring follows disappointing results for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which missed its player target by nearly 50%, contributing to EA’s downward revision of its fiscal forecast. EA will discuss the impact further during its Q3 earnings call on February 4. Mass Effect’s development is now the studio’s primary focus, and the game remains in the early stages.
FAQs
Why is BioWare restructuring?
BioWare is focusing entirely on its upcoming Mass Effect 5, moving developers to other EA projects.
Will there be layoffs at BioWare?
Some Dragon Age team members’ roles are being terminated, but they are offered other roles within EA.