EA Restructures BioWare, Focusing Solely 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 several 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 the studio is "reimagining how we work" during the period between major development cycles. 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. While EA hasn't disclosed specific numbers, a smaller number of Dragon Age team members have been let go, with the option to apply for other internal positions.
This restructuring follows a series of changes at BioWare in recent years, including layoffs in 2023 and several high-profile departures, most recently director Corinne Busche. The current workforce size remains undisclosed. EA declined to provide specifics on the number of employees affected but confirmed that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current Mass Effect development stage, prioritizing the Mass Effect project after the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's strategy now emphasizes focusing on one game at a time. 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%, leading to a reduction in the company's fiscal year guidance. EA will discuss these financial results further during its Q3 earnings call on February 4.
