BioWare Experiences Major Staff Decline as Studio Faces Uncertain Future
Reports reveal that BioWare's employee count has dropped significantly, leaving fewer than 100 staff members amidst a shifting landscape at the gaming studio.
Bloomberg reports that due to layoffs and restructuring at BioWare, the studio now has fewer than 100 employees, previously boasting over 200 during the development of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. At its peak, BioWare operated with multiple studios and more than 400 staff.
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah noted that the studio had become focused on developing only one game at a time, which left many developers without active projects before Mass Effect moved into full production.
Recent layoffs occurred after Veilguard drastically underperformed its sales expectations, leading to a reduction in staff numbers. The history reflects a significant shift from BioWare’s early years, where it enjoyed robust staffing levels during successful game developments.
In recent years, EA’s management approaches, including fluctuating focuses on service models, seem to have contributed to BioWare’s continuous decline as a powerhouse in RPG development. Despite the studio’s storied past and its contributions to the genre, current trends indicate a precarious future for BioWare, with worries growing around its remaining talent and projects.