Mass Effect 5: BioWare Doesn't 'Require Support From the Full Studio', EA Moves Some Staff to Other Teams

EA Restructures BioWare, Focusing Entirely on the Next Mass Effect Game

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a restructuring of BioWare, the studio behind Dragon Age and Mass Effect, shifting developers to other EA projects and concentrating solely on its upcoming Mass Effect title.

In a blog post, general manager Gary McKay explained that the restructuring, occurring between development cycles, aims to "reimagine how we work at BioWare." He stated that the full studio's support wasn't currently needed for the Mass Effect project. Many BioWare employees have been transitioned to other suitable roles within EA. A smaller number of Dragon Age team members have faced termination, with the option to apply for other internal positions.

BioWare's organizational structure has undergone numerous changes recently, including layoffs in 2023 and several high-profile departures during Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development, most recently director Corinne Busche. The current employee count at BioWare remains undisclosed. While EA didn't provide specific numbers regarding impacted employees, layoffs, or remaining staff, a spokesperson confirmed that the studio's focus has shifted from Dragon Age to Mass Effect following The Veilguard's release. They emphasized that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development.

The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's strategy now prioritizes one game at a time. Some developers previously working on Mass Effect were temporarily assigned to Dragon Age to ensure its completion and are now returning to the Mass Effect project. Veteran developers Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley are leading the Mass Effect development.

This announcement follows EA's recent revelation that Dragon Age: The Veilguard missed player targets by approximately 50%, leading to a reduction in fiscal year guidance. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4.