Mass Effect 5: BioWare Doesn't 'Require Support From the Full Studio', EA Moves Some Staff to Other Teams

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 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 decision as a strategic realignment during a period between major development cycles. He stated that the studio's full capacity isn't currently needed for Mass Effect's development, and that many employees have been successfully placed in suitable roles within other EA teams.

While EA hasn't disclosed specific numbers, it's understood that an unspecified number of BioWare developers have transitioned to other positions within EA. A smaller number of Dragon Age team members have faced job termination, with the option to apply for other internal roles.

This restructuring follows previous layoffs at BioWare in 2023 and several high-profile departures, including the recent announcement of director Corinne Busche's departure. The current size of BioWare's workforce remains undisclosed. EA declined to provide details on the number of employees affected, stating only that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development.

The upcoming Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's new strategy prioritizes focusing on one game at a time. Some developers who previously worked on Mass Effect were temporarily assigned to Dragon Age to ensure its completion and are now returning to the Mass Effect project. Veteran developers Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley are leading the Mass Effect development.

This announcement comes after EA revealed that Dragon Age: The Veilguard significantly underperformed player expectations (missing targets by almost 50%), contributing to a lowered fiscal year outlook alongside weaker-than-anticipated results from EA Sports FC 25. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4.