BioWare's Mass Effect 5 Update: EA Shifts Focus

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 projects within EA, with the studio now concentrating its efforts entirely on its upcoming Mass Effect title.

In a blog post, BioWare general manager Gary McKay explained that the studio is using the period between major development cycles to "reimagine how we work at BioWare." He stated that the current stage of Mass Effect development doesn't require the full studio's support. McKay confirmed that many BioWare employees have been successfully transitioned to other suitable roles within EA.

While EA hasn't disclosed exact figures, it's understood that a smaller number of Dragon Age team members have faced job 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. The current workforce size at BioWare remains undisclosed. EA declined to provide specifics on the number of employees affected by the restructuring, stating only that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect development.

The upcoming Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, is still in its early stages. BioWare's current strategy is to focus on one game at a time. Some developers previously assigned to Mass Effect were temporarily transferred to the Dragon Age team to ensure the completion of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, 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 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.