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

EA Restructures BioWare, Focusing Solely 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 the studio is "reimagining how we work" between major development cycles. He stated that the current Mass Effect development phase doesn't require the entire studio's workforce. Many BioWare employees have been transitioned to other suitable roles within EA, while a smaller number of Dragon Age team members have faced role termination, with the option to apply for other internal positions.

This restructuring follows a series of changes at BioWare in recent years, including layoffs in 2023 and several high-profile departures, most recently director Corinne Busche. While EA didn't disclose specific numbers of affected employees, a spokesperson confirmed the studio is now appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development. The spokesperson emphasized that the studio's focus has shifted from Dragon Age to Mass Effect following the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, remains in early development. BioWare's strategy now prioritizes one game at a time. Some developers previously moved from Mass Effect to Dragon Age to complete the latter project are now returning to the Mass Effect team. 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 the company's fiscal year guidance alongside underperforming results from EA Sports FC 25. EA will discuss its Q3 earnings on February 4.