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 comes after the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a company restructuring prioritizing the next Mass Effect title.

Bloomberg reports that 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 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 development.

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

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 exact number of affected employees remained vague, stating that 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 remarkable achievement given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

Concerns regarding the future of the Dragon Age franchise are mounting among fans, prompting a former BioWare writer to offer a message of reassurance.

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