BioWare Restructures Workforce as Interest Grows for Mass Effect Finale
With Dragon Age: The Veilguard released and its development concluded, numerous BioWare developers are being reassigned to various studios within EA. Some others have been let go.
In a blog post, general manager Gary McKay noted that the studio is in the initial phases of development for the next Mass Effect. Currently, this endeavor does not need “support from the entire studio,” allowing staff members to be assigned to teams within its parent company where they best fit. John Epler, the creative director for Veilguard, has been tasked with contributing to Burly Circle’s forthcoming skateboarding game Skate.
EA has not revealed how many have been affected by these transitions, however, IGN reports that a “small” number of Dragon Age developers have also been let go. Those reassigned received equivalent positions at their new companies.
“The studio’s main focus was Dragon Age,” stated an EA spokesperson. “During this time, there were individuals continuing to shape the vision for the next Mass Effect, and now that Veilguard has been released, the studio’s full attention is on Mass Effect.”
McKay emphasized that this shift “will enable BioWare to become a more nimble, concentrated studio” as the early development on the upcoming Mass Effect begins.
All eyes on BioWare’s next move
BioWare has previously emphasized the importance of its two primary franchises, Mass Effect and Dragon Age. Throughout Veilguard’s development, the company transferred development responsibilities of its MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic to Broadsword Entertainment to focus on this and the future Mass Effect.
McKay’s blog further confirmed that the next Mass Effect is being guided by a “core group” of veterans from the series, including producer Mike Gamble and designer Preston Watamaniuk.
Earlier in January, Veilguard director Corrine Busche left BioWare, stating that her departure was voluntary so she could pursue a position with another RPG developer. EA also recently revealed that the fantasy RPG had 1.5 million players in its first two months of release, which fell short of EA’s sales expectations by 50 percent.
About the Author
Contributing Editor, GameDeveloper.com
A native of Kansas City, MO, Justin Carter has contributed to numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his work can also be found on io9 at Gizmodo. Don’t ask him about how much gum he’s had, as the answer will likely exceed what he’s willing to admit.