BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures, primarily stemming from the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and a company restructuring to prioritize the next Mass Effect title.

Bloomberg reported BioWare employed over 200 individuals two years ago during The Veilguard's development. Last week's EA restructuring, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some The Veilguard staff being transferred to other EA studios. Game Developer cited the relocation of Veilguard's creative director, John Epler, to Full Circle's Skate project, and senior writer Sheryl Chee's move to Motive's Iron Man development.

This restructuring followed EA's announcement of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's underperformance, falling nearly 50% short of projected player engagement figures. EA reported 1.5 million engaged players during the recent financial quarter.

Bloomberg clarified that initial staff "loans" to other EA studios are now permanent transfers, severing their BioWare affiliation. However, additional employees confirmed layoffs and job searches. Several BioWare developers publicly announced their departures on social media, including editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm.

These recent events follow 2023 layoffs and the departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche last month. While EA offered a vague response to IGN's inquiry regarding specific numbers impacted, Bloomberg estimated approximately two dozen layoffs. BioWare staff reportedly expressed surprise that The Veilguard launched as a complete game, given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including earlier layoffs and the departure of several key personnel.

Amidst fan concerns, a former BioWare writer offered reassurance, suggesting the future of Dragon Age remains uncertain but not necessarily bleak.

Regarding Mass Effect, EA confirmed a core team at BioWare, led by veterans from the original trilogy (including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley), is developing the next installment.