The mood inside BioWare, the legendary studio behind some of gaming’s most beloved RPGs, is reportedly tense. Following the mixed reception of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the recent news of a massive acquisition of its parent company, Electronic Arts (EA), anonymous sources from within the studio are expressing serious concerns about what the future holds.
A Studio on Edge
It’s no secret that BioWare has had a tough few years. After the lukewarm responses to Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, a lot was riding on the success of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. While the game did see some initial positive buzz, it ultimately underperformed, falling short of EA’s expectations. This led to significant layoffs, with the studio’s headcount reportedly dropping from over 200 in 2023 to less than 100 by early 2025.
Now, with the news that EA is being acquired by a group of investors, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a new wave of uncertainty is sweeping through the studio. According to reports from Insider Gaming, many employees are worried that BioWare could be one of the first studios to face further cuts under the new ownership.
Preparing for the Worst
The sentiment within the studio seems to be one of resignation and anxiety. One anonymous developer told reporters, “I’ve been preparing for this since last year. I’m getting my portfolio ready and exploring other job opportunities. It feels like it’s just a matter of time.” Another staff member added, “We’ll continue working until we’re told otherwise. It’s not the healthiest situation but as long as the checks keep coming, we won’t simply walk away.”
There are even reports that EA had considered selling BioWare outright after the disappointing performance of The Veilguard. While those talks apparently fell through, the fact that they happened at all has done little to boost morale.
What About the Next Mass Effect?
Despite the grim atmosphere, there is a glimmer of hope for fans. Work on the next installment of the Mass Effect series is still underway. In fact, reports suggest that the project has recently seen an increase in resources and staffing. The team is reportedly operating under the assumption that the game will be released, providing a potential path forward for the studio.
FAQs
Why are BioWare staff worried?
Employees are concerned about potential layoffs and the studio’s future following the underperformance of recent games and the acquisition of their parent company, EA.
What happened with Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
The game had a mixed reception and did not meet EA’s sales expectations, which led to significant layoffs at BioWare.
Who acquired EA?
Electronic Arts is being acquired by a group of investors that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
Is the next Mass Effect still in development?
Yes, development on the next Mass Effect game is ongoing, and the project has reportedly received additional resources recently.
Did EA try to sell BioWare?
There are reports that EA explored the possibility of selling BioWare after the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, but these discussions did not result in a sale.
Conclusion
The future of BioWare is undoubtedly at a crossroads. For a studio that has given us some of the most memorable stories and characters in gaming, it’s disheartening to see the level of uncertainty its creators are facing. While the team continues to work on the next Mass Effect, the long-term stability of this iconic studio remains in question. Fans and industry watchers alike will be holding their breath, hoping that BioWare can navigate these turbulent times and continue to create the rich, narrative-driven experiences they are known for.