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 move to "reimagine how we work" between development cycles, stating the full studio's support wasn't currently needed for Mass Effect 5's development. While many were transferred to other suitable EA roles, a smaller number of Dragon Age team members faced termination, with the option to apply for 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 regarding the impact of these changes remained vague, only stating that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current phase of Mass Effect 5 development. They did not provide specific numbers on affected individuals.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the first new entry in the series in a decade, concluded its development last week with what appeared to be its final major update. The game's underperformance, falling short of sales expectations by 50% (1.5 million players versus the projected 3 million), contributed to the studio's decision. This followed previous reports detailing development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel. The lack of post-launch DLC further disappointed fans.
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.
