BioWare Axes Dragon Age Devs for Mass Effect Priority

Key Dragon Age developers depart BioWare following Mass Effect 5 restructuring.

On January 29th, IGN reported that BioWare, in its complete shift to Mass Effect 5 development, had reassigned numerous developers to other EA projects. General manager Gary McKay explained this restructuring as a strategic move to "reimagine how we work" between development cycles, stating that the full studio's support wasn't currently required for Mass Effect 5. While many BioWare employees were successfully placed in suitable roles within EA, a smaller number of Dragon Age team members faced termination, with the option to apply for other internal positions.

This news prompted several high-profile BioWare departures. Editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer on Dragon Age: The Veilguard Trick Weekes, and editor Ryan Cormier publicly announced their job searches. Producer Jen Cheverie and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm also confirmed their exits. These departures follow 2023 layoffs and the recent departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche.

EA's response to inquiries regarding the number of affected individuals remained vague, simply stating that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current Mass Effect 5 development phase.

The recent release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the series' first new title in a decade, was met with disappointment. BioWare confirmed no post-launch DLC, a surprising decision given previous Dragon Age expansions. EA further admitted that sales fell drastically short of projections, reaching only 1.5 million players against a target of 3 million – a 50% shortfall. The game's troubled development, marked by layoffs and the departure of key personnel, has been previously documented.

Meanwhile, EA confirmed that a core team of Mass Effect veterans, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others, are leading the development of the next Mass Effect game.