Summary
- BioWare’s restructuring has included multiple layoffs.
- This includes long-time developers who worked on all of the Mass Effect and Dragon Age games.
- It comes after Dragon Age: The Veilguard sold 1.5 million copies, falling behind EA’s expectations.
Earlier this week, BioWare announced that it was undergoing restructuring, as the next Mass Effect game is not ready to start full development. As part of this, many developers have been moved to “other teams at EA”, seeing some work at Motive Studio on the new Iron Man game.
However, since that announcement was made, it has now become apparent that not everyone was moved. Many developers have shared that they’re no longer with BioWare, and are looking for jobs elsewhere. Among those looking for work is Trick Weekes, who has been with the studio for almost two decades, working on every Mass Effect and Dragon Age game.
Multiple BioWare Devs Laid Off
This comes after Dragon Age: The Veilguard reached 1.5 million players
I’m now looking for a new writing/narrative position. It’s been a privilege to work with so many amazing devs over my 20 years at BioWare, and I will cherish the memories of the wonderful folks in the community I’ve met along the way. Thank you all.
— Trick Weekes (@trickweekes.bsky.social) 2025-01-29T22:58:09.452Z
After almost 14 years at BioWare, I am devastated to learn today that myself and others must seek new opportunities. I am so grateful for all of the learning, challenges, and most importantly the team. I will remember my time here with joy. Tomorrow we’ll move forward. For today I will just be sad.
— Jen Cheverie (@jencheverie.bsky.social) 2025-01-29T23:44:37.132Z
Many now former BioWare developers are taking to Bluesky to look for new jobs. This would line up with how IGN reported on the matter, as it understood that a “smaller number” of BioWare devs are “seeing their roles terminated”, rather than being automatically moved to other EA projects.
Jason Schreier from Bloomberg is now reporting that these moves to other EA studios are permanent, rather than temporary as the devs were originally told.
During their almost 20 years at BioWare, Weekes worked on every Mass Effect and Dragon Age release. As part of this, they wrote for fan favourite characters like Tali in Mass Effect, and Solas in Dragon Age. Their most recent role was as the lead writer of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Karin West-Weekes is also among those looking for work, having been with BioWare for almost two decades as well. She worked as an editor before her role was terminated. Another editor, Ryan Cormier, is also looking for a new position. He was a narrative editor who worked on Neve, Harding, Emmrich, Taash, and Varric in The Veilguard.
Producer Jen Cheverie has also been caught up in the layoffs. She had been with the studio since Dragon Age: Inquisition, and then worked on Anthem and The Veilguard.
Among those who have been moved to other EA studios, there’s writer Sheryl Chee and cinematic designer Derek Wilks. Given the latest reporting on the matter, it’s unclear if they will return to BioWare for Mass Effect 5.
There is no release date for Mass Effect 5, and it appears to be in the very early stages of development. Key figures have been appointed to the project now that The Veilguard’s development has concluded.
EA was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.
BioWare
- Date Founded
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February 1, 1995
- CEO
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Ray Muzyka
- Headquarters
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Edmonton, Canada