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 a number of 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 that the studio is using the time between major development cycles to "reimagine how we work." He stated that the full studio's support isn't currently needed for the Mass Effect project and that many employees have been successfully transitioned to other suitable roles within EA.

While EA hasn't disclosed specific numbers, it's understood that some Dragon Age team members have been let go, with the option to apply for other internal positions. This follows previous layoffs in 2023 and several high-profile departures, including director Corinne Busche's recent announcement.

EA's spokesperson confirmed that the studio's focus has shifted from Dragon Age to Mass Effect, stating that BioWare now has the appropriate personnel for the current stage of Mass Effect development. The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, remains in its early stages.

BioWare's new strategy involves prioritizing one game at a time. This has involved shifting developers between Mass Effect and Dragon Age as needed; some developers who assisted with Dragon Age: The Veilguard's completion 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 follows EA's recent revelation that Dragon Age: The Veilguard missed player targets by approximately 50%, impacting their fiscal year guidance alongside weaker-than-expected performance from EA Sports FC 25. EA will discuss these results further during their Q3 earnings call on February 4.