BioWare Layoffs: DA Team Members Affected as SWTOR Dev Focuses on ME

Key Dragon Age developers depart BioWare following Mass Effect 5 focus shift.

On January 29th, IGN reported that BioWare, in its complete transition to Mass Effect 5 development, had reassigned numerous developers to other EA projects. General manager Gary McKay explained this restructuring as an opportunity to "reimagine how we work" between development cycles, stating the full studio's support wasn't currently needed for Mass Effect 5. While many BioWare employees were successfully placed in suitable roles within EA, a smaller number of Dragon Age team members faced termination, with the option to apply for other internal positions.

This news prompted several high-profile BioWare departures. Editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer on Dragon Age: The Veilguard Trick Weekes, and editor Ryan Cormier publicly announced their job searches. Producer Jen Cheverie and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm also confirmed their exits. These departures follow 2023 layoffs and the recent departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche.

EA's response regarding the impact of these changes remained vague, offering no specific numbers on affected individuals, layoffs, or remaining staff. They affirmed that the studio's focus is now solely on Mass Effect 5, stating they have "the right number of people in the right roles."

Last week marked the apparent conclusion of BioWare's work on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, with what appeared to be its final major update. The game, the first new entry in the franchise in a decade, fell short of expectations, failing to meet sales projections by a significant 50%, achieving only 1.5 million players instead of the projected three million. This underperformance followed previously reported development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel. The lack of post-launch DLC further disappointed fans.

Meanwhile, EA confirmed that a core team of Mass Effect veterans, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others, are leading the development of the next Mass Effect game.