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. The restructuring involves reassigning several developers to other EA projects, allowing BioWare to concentrate solely on its upcoming Mass Effect title.

In a blog post, BioWare General Manager Gary McKay explained that this restructuring, occurring between major development cycles, aims to redefine BioWare's operational structure. 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 precise figures, it's understood that an unspecified number of BioWare developers have been moved to other equivalent positions within EA. A smaller group of Dragon Age team members face potential job termination, with the option to apply for other internal roles.

BioWare's organizational structure has undergone several changes in recent years, including layoffs in 2023 and notable departures, most recently the announcement of director Corinne Busche's departure last week. The current employee count at BioWare remains undisclosed. EA declined to provide specific numbers regarding impacted employees or those remaining at the studio, but a spokesperson confirmed that the studio's focus has shifted entirely to Mass Effect following the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. They emphasized that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current stage of Mass Effect development.

The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's strategy now prioritizes a single game at a time. Some developers previously working on Mass Effect were temporarily assigned to Dragon Age to ensure its completion and are now returning to the Mass Effect project. Veteran series 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 fell short of player targets by approximately 50%, contributing to a downward revision of the company's fiscal year guidance, alongside weaker-than-expected performance from EA Sports FC 25. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4.