Dragon Age Developers Reveal They’ve Been Laid Off After BioWare Puts ‘Full Focus’ on Mass Effect

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

On January 29th, IGN reported that BioWare had reassigned numerous developers to other EA projects, fully concentrating on Mass Effect 5. General manager Gary McKay explained this restructuring as a strategic realignment during a period between major development cycles. While many developers were successfully transitioned to other 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 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, stating that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current Mass Effect 5 development phase.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the first new entry in the franchise in a decade, concluded its development last week with what appeared to be its final major update. The game's underperformance, falling 50% short of the projected three million players with only 1.5 million achieved, was acknowledged by EA. This followed BioWare's earlier announcement that no post-launch DLC was planned, disappointing many fans. The game’s development had already been hampered by previous layoffs and the departure of several key personnel.

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.