According to a recent report, the fate of many BioWare employees who had been temporarily reassigned to different EA studios remains uncertain, as they may not be returning to their original positions.
Changes at BioWare
In light of ongoing discussions about potential layoffs at BioWare, Gary McKay, the studio’s general manager, has shed some light on the situation.
He disclosed that a large number of staff members were moved to other EA divisions following the conclusion of their work on the upcoming installment of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Importantly, he reassured that a core team is still dedicated to the development of Mass Effect 5.
Transition to Permanent Roles
However, Bloomberg has surfaced new details suggesting that these temporary roles have morphed into permanent positions.
Sources close to the matter reveal that the employees originally loaned out from BioWare to assist various EA teams have been reclassified as full-time members of those divisions.
This shift means that anyone wishing to return to BioWare now faces the hurdle of applying for open roles all over again.
Impact on Employees
This transition has not come without its frustrations.
Some former BioWare staff members are unhappy about being integrated into unexpected teams at studios they never imagined joining.
Many were initially drawn to the legendary role-playing game developer to work on beloved franchises, but now find themselves confronting the reality of working on genres they are less passionate about—think action or sports games.
Amid these changes, BioWare’s headcount has shrunk considerably; it has gone from around 200 employees to just about 100 in a mere two years.
Notably, Trick Weekes, a longstanding veteran recognized for his contributions to the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series, is among those affected.
He, along with other long-term team members, is actively exploring new job prospects as the studio continues to downsize.
Source: Eurogamer