Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a restructuring of BioWare, the studio behind the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises. The restructuring involves reassigning several developers to other EA projects, allowing BioWare to focus entirely on its upcoming Mass Effect game.
In a blog post, BioWare general manager Gary McKay explained that this restructuring, occurring between major development cycles, aims to optimize the studio's workflow. He stated that the current Mass Effect development phase doesn't require the entire studio's resources. Many BioWare employees have been successfully transitioned to other suitable roles within EA. A smaller number of Dragon Age team members face potential termination, with the option to apply for other positions within the company.
BioWare's structure has undergone several changes in recent years, including layoffs in 2023 and notable departures, most recently director Corinne Busche. The exact current employee count at BioWare remains undisclosed. While EA declined to provide specific numbers regarding the impact of the restructuring, a spokesperson confirmed that the studio is 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 spokesperson emphasized that Dragon Age was the studio's priority until its completion.
The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's strategy now prioritizes a single game at a time. Some developers who previously worked on Mass Effect were temporarily assigned to Dragon Age to ensure its completion and are now returning to the Mass Effect project. Veteran series 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 reduction in the company's fiscal year guidance. EA's Q3 earnings conference call is scheduled for February 4.
