BioWare, an Electronic Arts (EA) studio known for its story-driven single-player games, is undergoing a workforce reduction of 50 employees. In a blog post, BioWare’s general manager, Gary McKay, outlined the necessity for this reorganization as the studio reevaluates its development approach.
McKay emphasized that this adjustment is crucial to meet the demands of upcoming projects, maintain high quality standards, and thrive in the dynamic gaming industry. The studio is transitioning towards a more agile and focused structure to enable quicker iterations, enhanced creativity, and a clear project vision during development’s initial phases.
McKay expressed a commitment to ensure this process is conducted with empathy, respect, and transparent communication. He pointed out that the decision was made partly to provide affected colleagues with internal opportunities, as numerous roles are available across other EA studios.
This move aligns with BioWare’s overarching vision, which balances the studio’s immediate requirements, such as delivering Dragon Age: Dreadwolf at its best, with long-term considerations, including the success of the upcoming Mass Effect title. McKay clarified that despite these changes, the dedication to the projects remains unwavering.
He reaffirmed the team’s commitment to developing Dragon Age: Dreadwolf to its full potential and assured fans that the pre-production work for the next Mass Effect, led by a veteran team, continues unaffected.
This restructuring follows an earlier announcement of staff reductions linked to the transition of Star Wars: The Old Republic to a new development studio, Broadsword Online Games. As BioWare positions itself for the future, its focus on delivering high-quality narrative experiences remains resolute.
