BioWare's Veilguard Downsized as Layoffs Hit Staff

BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures, primarily stemming from the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a subsequent restructuring to prioritize the next Mass Effect title.

Two years prior, during the height of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development, BioWare boasted a staff exceeding 200, according to Bloomberg. Last week's EA-mandated restructuring focused BioWare solely on Mass Effect 5, resulting in the transfer of some Veilguard personnel to other EA studios. This included creative director John Epler, who transitioned to Full Circle's Skate project, and senior writer Sheryl Chee, who joined Motive's Iron Man team, as reported by Game Developer.

The restructuring followed EA's announcement of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's underperformance, falling nearly 50% short of projected player engagement. EA reported only 1.5 million players during the recent financial quarter.

Bloomberg clarifies that these initial studio "loans" have become permanent reassignments, with affected employees no longer considered BioWare staff. However, additional layoffs have also occurred, with several BioWare developers publicly confirming their departures on social media, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm. These departures follow earlier layoffs in 2023 and the departure of director Corinne Busche last month.

While EA provided a vague response to IGN's inquiry regarding specific numbers, Bloomberg estimates the recent layoffs impacted approximately two dozen employees. Internal BioWare sentiment, as relayed by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, suggests that completing Dragon Age: The Veilguard was a significant achievement, given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development challenges, including prior layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

Amidst fan concerns about the future of the Dragon Age franchise, a former BioWare writer offered reassurance, stating, "Dragon Age isn't dead because it's yours now."

Regarding Mass Effect, EA confirmed that a core BioWare team, led by veterans from the original trilogy including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others, is spearheading development of the next installment.