BioWare's Veilguard Team Shrinks in Layoffs and Exits

BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures. This reduction comes after the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a company restructuring prioritizing the development of the next Mass Effect game.

Bloomberg reported BioWare employed over 200 individuals two years ago during The Veilguard's production. Last week's EA restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some The Veilguard staff being transferred to other EA studios. According to Game Developer, this included creative director John Epler (to Full Circle's Skate) and senior writer Sheryl Chee (to Motive's Iron Man project).

These moves followed EA's announcement of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's underperformance, falling nearly 50% short of projected player engagement (1.5 million players reported during the recent financial quarter). Bloomberg clarifies that these staff transfers are permanent, not temporary assignments. However, other employees confirmed layoffs and are currently seeking new positions. Several BioWare developers, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm, publicly announced their departures. These events follow earlier 2023 layoffs and the departure of director Corinne Busche last month.

EA's response to inquiries regarding the impact of these changes was non-specific, stating the studio now has the appropriate personnel for Mass Effect's development. Bloomberg, however, estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. According to Jason Schreier's Bloomberg report, BioWare staff consider The Veilguard's completion a remarkable achievement given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including earlier layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

Amidst fan concerns for the future of the Dragon Age series, a former BioWare writer offered a message of hope, suggesting the series' future is now in the hands of the fans. EA assures that a core team of veterans from the original Mass Effect trilogy, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley, are leading the development of the next Mass Effect game at BioWare.