Dragon Age Team Reports Layoffs

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

On January 29th, IGN reported that BioWare had reassigned numerous developers to other EA projects, fully concentrating on Mass Effect 5. General manager Gary McKay explained the restructuring as a strategic realignment between development cycles, stating that the full studio's support wasn't currently needed for Mass Effect 5's development. Many BioWare employees were successfully transitioned to other suitable roles within EA. However, some Dragon Age team members faced termination, with the option to apply for other internal positions.

This news prompted several high-profile BioWare departures. Editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer on Dragon Age: The Veilguard Trick Weekes, and editor Ryan Cormier announced their job searches. 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, emphasizing that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect 5 development.

The recent release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the first new entry in the series in a decade, concluded last week with what appeared to be its final major update. The game's launch was underwhelming, lacking post-launch DLC as previously anticipated by fans. EA acknowledged that sales fell drastically short of projections, reaching only 1.5 million players instead of the projected 3 million. The game's troubled development, including layoffs and the departure of several key personnel, has been previously 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.