More developers are leaving BioWare. Writers, producers, and designers are looking for work
The announced restructuration of the BioWare studio by Electronic Arts concealed layoffs of employees.
Yesterday, we received information about big changes at BioWare. In the published statement, it was announced that the studio is undergoing restructuring to focus on the development of Mass Effect 5, and some employees have been delegated to other projects at Electronic Arts.
Due to the recent announcement about Dragon Age: The Veilguard not meeting expectations, we could suspect that there would be layoffs in the company, but the spokesperson for Electronic Arts didn't give a clear comment on this matter. Now we have learned that some employees have said goodbye to their jobs.
Layoffs at BioWare
Let's remind that over the last two months, at least two long-time developers have left BioWare - Corinne Busche and Sylvia Feketekuty. In the last few hours, posts from other employees who have left the studio have started to appear on social media. These include:
- Trick Weekes - Lead Writer for The Veilguard, working at BioWare since 2005;
- Karin Weekes - Lead Editor, working at BioWare since 2006;
- Ryan Cormier - Narrative Editor, working at BioWare since 2016;
- Jennifer Cheverie Cott - Producer working at BioWare since 2011;
- Sheryl Chee - Senior Writer associated with BioWare since 2005; she has currently moved to EA Motive;
- Michelle Flamm - Senior Systems Designer, associated with BioWare since 2022.
As you can see, the list includes people who have been working in the studio for many years. It's also possible that it will expand over time, as more employees might post this kind of news online. A potentially concerning issue might be the low number of veterans who will now stay at BioWare, as noted by Ann Lemay.
I was a writer at BioWare for 5 years (2011-2016). I leaned a lot during that time from exceptional folx in many disciplines, but also specifically from my fellow writers & our amazing editors, on both the ME & DA brands.
Today, not a single one of those writers & editors remains employed there.
As a result, there is growing concern in the community about the upcoming Mass Effect 5. Many of the players are putting less and less faith in the project, not believing it will be able to meet their expectations. Some also turn their attention towards Exodus, noting the fact that BioWare veterans are working on it, and the game has the spirit of the original trilogy.
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard launches today on Xbox Game Pass
- „It's over, Commander.” Mass Effect fans are already saying goodbye to the series after EA's takeover, and a former BioWare screenwriter shares his concerns
- EA reassures employees after acquisition, but analysts are under no illusions: company will sell its smaller brands to pay off debt
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Author: Martin Bukowski
Graduate of Electronics and Telecommunications at the Gdańsk University of Technology, who decided to dedicate his life to video games. In his childhood, he would get lost in the Gothic's Valley of Mines and "grind for gold" in League of Legends. Twenty years later, games still entertain him just as much. Today, he considers the Persona series and soulslike titles from From Software as his favorite games. He avoids consoles, and a special place in his heart is reserved for PC. In his spare time, he works as a translator, is creating his first game, or spends time watching movies and series (mainly animated ones).
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