Dragon Age: The Veilguard Dev BioWare Reportedly Down to Fewer Than 100 Employees Following Layoffs and Staff Exits

BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures. This reduction follows the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a company restructuring prioritizing the next Mass Effect game.

Bloomberg reported BioWare employed over 200 individuals two years ago during The Veilguard's development. Last week's EA restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some The Veilguard staff transferring to other EA studios. Game Developer confirmed that Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, moved to Full Circle's Skate project, while senior writer Sheryl Chee transitioned to Motive's Iron Man development.

These staff movements, initially described as temporary assignments, are now permanent relocations, according to Bloomberg. However, other employees confirmed layoffs and subsequent job searches. Several BioWare developers publicly announced their departures on social media, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm.

BioWare experienced previous layoffs in 2023, and The Veilguard's director, Corinne Busche, left the studio last month. EA's response to inquiries regarding the impact of these changes remained vague, stating the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development. Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs.

Jason Schreier's Bloomberg report highlights BioWare staff's belief that completing Dragon Age: The Veilguard was a significant achievement, given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN previously reported on The Veilguard's development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

Amidst fan concerns about the future of the Dragon Age franchise, a former BioWare writer offered reassurance, suggesting the series' future remains uncertain but not necessarily doomed.

Regarding Mass Effect, EA confirmed a core team at BioWare, led by veterans of the original trilogy (including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley), is developing the next installment.