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 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 being transferred to other EA studios. According to Game Developer, Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, transitioned to Full Circle's Skate project, while senior writer Sheryl Chee moved to Motive's Iron Man development.

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

Bloomberg clarified that initial staff "loans" to other EA studios are now permanent transfers, severing their BioWare affiliation. Simultaneously, several developers confirmed layoffs 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. These departures follow 2023 layoffs and the departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche last month.

EA's response to IGN's inquiry regarding the exact number of impacted employees remained vague, stating the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development. Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. According to Jason Schreier's Bloomberg report, BioWare staff consider the completion of Dragon Age: The Veilguard a remarkable achievement, given EA's initial imposition and subsequent reversal of live-service elements. IGN has previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

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

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 Mass Effect game.