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 period between major development cycles to "reimagine how we work." He stated that the current Mass Effect development phase doesn't require the entire studio's workforce. Many BioWare employees have been transitioned to other suitable roles within EA. A smaller, unspecified number of Dragon Age team members have been let go, with the option to apply for other positions within the company.
This restructuring follows previous layoffs at BioWare in 2023 and several high-profile departures, including the recent announcement of director Corinne Busche's resignation. While EA hasn't disclosed precise numbers regarding the impact of this restructuring, a spokesperson confirmed that the studio now has the appropriate staffing for the current Mass Effect development stage. The spokesperson emphasized that the studio's priority shifted from Dragon Age to Mass Effect following the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The Mass Effect development team now includes series veterans Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley.
The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, remains in its early stages. BioWare's current strategy is to focus on 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.
This announcement comes shortly after EA revealed that Dragon Age: The Veilguard fell short of player expectations by approximately 50%, leading to a downward revision of the company's fiscal year guidance. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4.
