BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to fewer than 100 employees following layoffs and departures in the wake of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's release and a company restructure prioritizing the next Mass Effect game. Two years ago, during the height of The Veilguard's development, BioWare boasted a staff exceeding 200.

Last week's EA restructure, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in some The Veilguard team members transferring to other EA studios. Game Developer reported that Veilguard's Creative Director, John Epler, moved to Full Circle's Skate project, while Senior Writer Sheryl Chee transitioned to Motive's Iron Man game. These moves, initially described as temporary assignments, are now permanent relocations, according to Bloomberg. Further compounding the situation, several BioWare developers confirmed layoffs 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 departures follow 2023 layoffs and the recent departure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche.

EA's response to inquiries regarding the impact of these changes remained vague, stating the studio now possesses the “right number of people in the right roles” for Mass Effect's development. Bloomberg, however, estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, BioWare staff consider The Veilguard's completion a remarkable feat given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed. IGN has previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key project leads.

Amidst fan concerns regarding the future of the Dragon Age franchise, a former BioWare writer offered a message of hope: “Dragon Age isn't dead because it's yours now.” EA assures fans that a core team of veterans from the original Mass Effect trilogy, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley, are leading development of the next Mass Effect game.