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

EA Restructures BioWare, Focusing on Next Mass Effect Game

Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a restructuring of BioWare, the studio behind Dragon Age and Mass Effect, shifting developers to other EA projects and concentrating solely 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. McKay confirmed that numerous BioWare employees have transitioned to other suitable roles within EA, while a smaller number of Dragon Age team members have had their positions terminated, 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 several high-profile departures, most recently director Corinne Busche. The current employee count at BioWare remains undisclosed. While EA declined to provide specific numbers regarding the restructuring's impact, a spokesperson stated that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development, with its full focus now on that title following the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The spokesperson emphasized that Dragon Age was the studio's priority until its completion.

The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's current strategy involves prioritizing 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 recent announcement that Dragon Age: The Veilguard fell short of player targets by approximately 50%, contributing to a lowered fiscal year outlook, alongside underperformance from EA Sports FC 25. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4.