BioWare, the renowned game development studio known for its Dragon Age and Mass Effect series, has announced a significant staff reduction of approximately 50 employees. This move is aimed at adapting to the demands of upcoming projects and enhancing the studio’s agility and focus.
In a statement posted on BioWare’s website, General Manager Gary McKay acknowledged the need for change in order to sustain the studio’s legacy of crafting high-quality single-player games. He stated, “In order to meet the needs of our upcoming projects, continue to hold ourselves to the highest standard of quality, and ensure BioWare can continue to thrive in an industry that’s rapidly evolving, we must shift towards a more agile and more focused studio. It will allow our developers to iterate quickly, unlock more creativity, and form a clear vision of what we’re building before development ramps up.”
The practical implication of this shift is the elimination of approximately 50 positions at BioWare. The statement did not specify which roles would be affected, but early reactions on social media suggest that longstanding writers and staff members who have been with BioWare since Dragon Age Origins in 2007 may have been let go. Notably, BioWare veteran writer Mary Kirby announced her availability on Twitter.
Gary McKay attempted to mitigate the impact of these layoffs by mentioning that there are currently a significant number of open positions across other Electronic Arts (EA) studios. He assured affected employees that they would receive assistance and resources if they chose to apply for these positions. However, he acknowledged that not everyone would find a new role within the company.
Addressing concerns about the development of “Dragon Age: Dreadwolf,” McKay emphasized BioWare’s unwavering commitment to the game, stating, “Our commitment remains steadfast, and we are all working to make this game worthy of the Dragon Age name.” The decision to potentially release staff members who have been integral to the Dragon Age series during the development of the next installment is seen by some as unusual.
Layoffs are not uncommon in the video game development industry and can occur suddenly. BioWare and its parent company, EA, have undergone changes in recent times, including the relocation of “Star Wars: The Old Republic” to a new studio earlier in the year and a broader restructuring that led to the reorganization of EA’s studios into separate entities.
