BioWare's Veilguard Team Shrinks Amidst Layoffs and Departures

BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures, a significant reduction from its size two years ago. This downsizing comes after the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a company restructuring prioritizing the development of the next Mass Effect game.

Bloomberg reported BioWare employed over 200 individuals two years prior, during The Veilguard's peak production. Last week's EA-led restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in staff transfers to other EA studios. Game Developer confirmed the relocation of Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, to Full Circle's Skate project, and senior writer Sheryl Chee's move to Motive's Iron Man title. These transfers, initially described as temporary, are now permanent reassignments.

EA's announcement that Dragon Age: The Veilguard underperformed expectations, engaging only 1.5 million players (nearly 50% below projections), fueled the restructuring. While EA refrained from disclosing precise numbers, Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. Multiple BioWare developers, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm, have publicly confirmed their departures. This follows 2023 layoffs and the departure of director Corinne Busche last month.

EA's response regarding the staff reduction was vague, emphasizing the studio's shift in focus to Mass Effect. However, internal sentiment suggests The Veilguard's completion was a significant achievement, given reported challenges including forced live-service integration and subsequent reversals. These development hurdles, including previous layoffs and the departure of key personnel, have been previously documented by IGN.

Concerns about the future of the Dragon Age franchise are rising among fans. One former BioWare writer offered a message of reassurance, suggesting the series' future remains uncertain but not necessarily doomed.

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