Dragon Age: The Veilguard Dev BioWare Reportedly Down to Fewer Than 100 Employees Following Layoffs and Staff Exits

BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures, a significant reduction from over 200 two years ago during Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development. This downsizing comes after EA restructured BioWare to concentrate solely on Mass Effect 5.

Bloomberg reported that the studio's shift in focus resulted in the permanent transfer of several Dragon Age: The Veilguard team members to other EA studios. Notable examples include the creative director, John Epler, who moved to Full Circle's Skate project, and senior writer Sheryl Chee, who joined Motive's Iron Man team. These are not temporary assignments; these employees are no longer considered BioWare staff. Additional staff members confirmed layoffs on social media, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm. This follows earlier layoffs in 2023 and the departure of director Corinne Busche last month.

EA's response to inquiries regarding the exact number of impacted employees was vague, stating that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development. However, Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. Reports suggest that BioWare staff considered the completion of Dragon Age: The Veilguard a remarkable achievement given the challenges posed by EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented the game's troubled development, including prior layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

Despite fan concerns, a former BioWare writer offered reassurance that the Dragon Age franchise isn't necessarily defunct. EA confirmed 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.