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

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a restructuring of BioWare, the studio behind the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises. This restructuring involves reassigning several developers to other EA projects, allowing BioWare to concentrate solely on its upcoming Mass Effect game.

In a blog post, BioWare general manager Gary McKay explained that this reorganization, occurring between major development cycles, aims to redefine the studio's operational structure. He stated that the current Mass Effect development phase doesn't require the entire studio's support. Many BioWare employees have been successfully transitioned to other suitable roles within EA. While a smaller number of Dragon Age team members face potential termination, they are being offered opportunities to apply for other positions within the company.

BioWare's organizational structure has undergone numerous shifts in recent years, including layoffs in 2023 and several high-profile departures, most recently director Corinne Busche. The current employee count at BioWare remains undisclosed. EA declined to provide specific numbers regarding impacted employees, layoffs, or the remaining workforce, but confirmed that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current Mass Effect development phase. An EA spokesperson emphasized that the studio's focus was previously on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, with some staff dedicated to the next Mass Effect. Now, with The Veilguard released, all resources are dedicated to Mass Effect.

The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's current strategy prioritizes one game at a time. Some developers previously assigned to Mass Effect were temporarily transferred 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 restructuring follows EA's announcement that Dragon Age: The Veilguard significantly missed player acquisition targets (by almost 50%) and contributed to a lowered fiscal year guidance, alongside underperforming results from EA Sports FC 25. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4.