EA Restructures BioWare, Focusing Entirely on Next Mass Effect Game
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a restructuring of BioWare, the studio behind the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises. The restructuring involves reassigning a number of developers to other EA projects and concentrating all remaining resources on the upcoming Mass Effect game.
In a blog post, BioWare general manager Gary McKay explained that the studio is using the time between development cycles to "reimagine how we work." He stated that the current stage of Mass Effect development doesn't require the full studio's support. Many BioWare employees have been transitioned to other suitable roles within EA. A smaller number of Dragon Age team members have been let go, with the option to apply for other internal positions.
BioWare has undergone significant structural changes in recent years, including layoffs in 2023 and several high-profile departures, most recently director Corinne Busche. The exact number of employees affected by the current restructuring remains undisclosed. While EA didn't provide specific numbers, a spokesperson confirmed that the studio is now appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development, with its full focus now on that project following the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's current strategy is to prioritize single game development. Some developers previously shifted from Mass Effect to Dragon Age to complete that project are now returning to the Mass Effect team. 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%, contributing to a lowered fiscal year guidance. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4.
