BioWare's workforce has reportedly shrunk to under 100 employees following recent layoffs and departures, primarily stemming from the release of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and a restructuring focused on the next Mass Effect title.

Bloomberg reported BioWare employed over 200 individuals two years ago during Dreadwolf's peak development. Last week's EA restructuring, concentrating solely on Mass Effect 5, resulted in staff transfers to other EA studios. Game Developer cited the relocation of Dreadwolf's creative director, John Epler, to Full Circle's Skate project, and senior writer Sheryl Chee's move to Motive's Iron Man development.

This restructuring followed EA's announcement of Dreadwolf's underperformance, falling nearly 50% short of projected player engagement (1.5 million players reported). Bloomberg clarifies that initial staff "loans" to other EA studios are now permanent transfers, severing their BioWare affiliation. Additional employees, however, confirmed layoffs and job searches 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 exit of Dreadwolf director Corinne Busche.

EA's response to IGN's inquiry regarding specific layoff numbers remained vague, emphasizing the studio's shift in focus to Mass Effect and asserting sufficient staffing for the project's current developmental stage. Bloomberg estimates approximately two dozen layoffs. Jason Schreier's Bloomberg report highlights BioWare staff's astonishment at Dreadwolf's completion, given EA's initial imposition and subsequent reversal of live-service elements. IGN previously documented Dreadwolf's development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel.

Amidst fan concerns about 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 confirmed a core team of Mass Effect veterans, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others, are leading the development of the next Mass Effect game at BioWare.