BioWare Lays Off Dragon Age Devs to Focus on Mass Effect

Key Dragon Age developers depart BioWare following Mass Effect 5 restructuring.

On January 29th, IGN reported that BioWare has reassigned numerous developers to other EA projects, shifting its complete focus to Mass Effect 5. General manager Gary McKay explained this restructuring as an opportunity to "reimagine how we work" between development cycles, stating that the full studio's support wasn't currently required for Mass Effect 5. While many BioWare employees were reportedly transitioned to suitable roles within EA, a smaller number of Dragon Age team members faced termination, with the option to apply for other internal positions.

This news prompted several prominent BioWare developers to announce their departures via social media. Among those leaving are editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer on Dragon Age: The Veilguard Trick Weekes, and editor Ryan Cormier. Producer Jen Cheverie and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm also confirmed their exits. These departures follow 2023 layoffs and the recent departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche.

EA's response to inquiries regarding the number of affected employees remained vague, simply stating that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current Mass Effect 5 development phase.

The recent conclusion of work on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, marked by a final major update and the absence of planned post-launch DLC, underscores the challenges facing the franchise. EA previously acknowledged that Dragon Age: The Veilguard's sales fell significantly short of projections (1.5 million players versus a projected 3 million), a shortfall of 50%. The game's troubled development, including previous layoffs and the departure of key personnel, has been well-documented.

Meanwhile, EA confirmed that a core team of Mass Effect veterans, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others, are leading the development of the next Mass Effect game.