Key Dragon Age developers depart BioWare following studio restructuring for Mass Effect 5.

On January 29th, IGN reported that BioWare had reassigned numerous developers to other EA projects, concentrating solely on Mass Effect 5. General manager Gary McKay stated the studio is "reimagining its workflow" between development cycles, resulting in a reduced need for the full studio's support. Many BioWare employees were successfully transitioned to other suitable roles within EA. However, some Dragon Age team members faced termination, with the option to apply for internal positions.

This news prompted several BioWare developers to announce their departures on social media. Among those leaving are editor Karin West-Weekes, narrative designer and lead writer on Dragon Age: The Veilguard Trick Weekes, editor Ryan Cormier, producer Jen Cheverie, and senior systems designer Michelle Flamm. These departures follow 2023 layoffs and the recent exit of Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche.

EA's response regarding the impact of these changes remained vague, stating that the studio is appropriately staffed for the current Mass Effect development phase. They confirmed that the focus has shifted entirely to Mass Effect following the completion of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

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 underperformance, falling 50% short of its three million player sales target, was acknowledged by EA. This followed earlier reports of development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

Meanwhile, EA confirmed that a core team of veterans from the original Mass Effect trilogy, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others, are leading the development of the next Mass Effect game.