BioWare has reportedly shrunk to fewer than 100 employees following a series of layoffs and departures post-Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s release and subsequent restructuring to concentrate solely on the next Mass Effect title. According to Bloomberg, BioWare boasted over 200 employees two years prior, during the height of The Veilguard's development.

Last week, EA reorganized BioWare with a sole focus on Mass Effect 5, leading to several employees who contributed to The Veilguard being reassigned to projects at other EA studios. Game Developer noted that John Epler, the creative director of The Veilguard, transitioned to Full Circle to work on their upcoming skateboarding game, Skate. Senior writer Sheryl Chee, another key figure from The Veilguard team, moved to Motive to collaborate on Iron Man.

This shift came after EA disclosed that Dragon Age: The Veilguard fell short of expectations for the highly anticipated action RPG. EA mentioned that The Veilguard engaged approximately 1.5 million players during the recent financial quarter, a figure significantly lower than anticipated.

Bloomberg highlighted that these staff transfers to other EA divisions are now permanent, with relocated employees no longer considered part of BioWare’s workforce. Conversely, some staff confirmed their layoffs, with several BioWare developers expressing job searches on social media. Among those openly seeking new opportunities are editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm. BioWare previously underwent layoffs in 2023, and director Corinne Busche recently departed from the studio.

When asked for details regarding the number of individuals affected by these changes, EA’s response was evasive:

"The studio’s priority was Dragon Age. While working toward Mass Effect, some employees were building the vision for the next installment. Now that The Veilguard has launched, the studio is fully dedicated to Mass Effect. Although we’re not disclosing numbers, the studio currently has the appropriate personnel in the necessary roles to progress with Mass Effect development."

Bloomberg estimated that around two dozen employees were impacted by these layoffs. BioWare staff reportedly consider the completion and release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard a feat given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later abandoned. IGN has documented some of The Veilguard's developmental hurdles, including layoffs and the exit of multiple project leaders throughout the process.

Amidst concerns from Dragon Age fans, a former BioWare writer remarked, “Dragon Age isn't dead because it's yours now.”

Regarding Mass Effect, EA stated that a core team at BioWare, led by veterans from the original trilogy such as Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley, is spearheading the next installment.