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

Key Dragon Age developers depart BioWare following Mass Effect 5 focus shift.

On January 29th, IGN reported that BioWare, following a restructuring to prioritize Mass Effect 5, had reassigned numerous developers to other EA projects. General manager Gary McKay explained the studio is "reimagining how we work" between development cycles and doesn't currently require the full studio's support for Mass Effect 5. While many developers were successfully placed in other suitable EA roles, some Dragon Age team members faced termination, with the option to apply for internal positions.

Subsequently, several BioWare developers announced their departure on social media. Among those leaving are editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer on Dragon Age: The Veilguard Trick Weekes, and editor Ryan Cormier. Producer Jen Cheverie and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm also confirmed their exits.

This follows 2023 layoffs and the recent departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche. EA provided a vague response to inquiries about the number of affected individuals, stating 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 a final update. The game's launch was marked by the unexpected announcement of no post-launch DLC, disappointing fans. EA subsequently acknowledged that sales fell significantly short of projections (1.5 million players versus the anticipated 3 million), a shortfall of 50%. Previous reports have detailed the game's development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

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.