We're thrilled to announce the return of GamesBeat Next, hosted in San Francisco this October, where we will explore the theme of «Playing the Edge.» Apply to speak here and learn more about sponsorship opportunities here. At the event, we will also announce 25 top game startups as the 2024 Game Changers. Apply or nominate today!
BioWare cuts around 50 jobs to become a 'more agile and focused studio'
23.08.2023 - 21:37 / engadget.com / Andrew Wilson / Gary Mackay
Mass Effect and Dragon Age studio BioWare is eliminating approximately 50 positions as parent Electronic Arts attempts to turn it into a "more agile and focused studio." The reorganization was “unavoidable,” according to BioWare general manager Gary McKay, as it was necessary in order to meet the studio's evolving needs.
"After much consideration and careful planning, we have built a long-term vision that will preserve the health of the studio and better enable us to do what we do best: create exceptional story-driven single-player experiences filled with vast worlds and rich characters," McKay wrote in the announcement. "This vision balances the current needs of the studio — namely, ensuring Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is an outstanding game — with its future, including the success of the next Mass Effect."
McKay noted that BioWare is "committed to supporting" affected staff, adding that "we’ve chosen to act now in part to provide our impacted colleagues with as many internal opportunities as possible." The affected roles align with similar positions at other EA studios, and workers will be provided with professional assistance if they apply for any. While they will still be credited for their work on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, McKay wrote that it's "unlikely" that everyone affected will be able to find a new position at EA.
The next Mass Effect game, which was announced in 2020, is still in pre-production with a team led by Mass Effect: Andromedaproducer Mike Gamble. McKay wrote that the studio's dedication to Dragon Age: Dreadwolf (which will be the first game in the series since 2014) "has never wavered" and that BioWare is "confident" of having enough time to make sure the next entry "reaches its full potential."
Great deals on consumer electronics delivered straight to your inbox, curated by Engadget’s editorial team. See latest
Please enter a valid email address
Please select a newsletter
By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy.
The cuts are related to an announcement that EA CEO Andrew Wilson made in March. Wilson said the company would lay off around 6 percent of its workforce of its nearly 13,000 employees and reduce its office space footprint. BioWare is said to have around 250 workers.
Along with news of the job cuts, it emerged that EA is severing ties with game services company Keywords, which was working with BioWare on Dreadwolf. EA was unable to reach a new agreement with Keywords, an spokesperson told GamesBeat, and the existing contract comes to an end on September 27th.
Among other things, Keywords provides playtesting services. A group of quality assurance contractors in that part of the company voted to form the first video game labor union in Canada last year. EA has
The website gametalkz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Authors
Popular Topics
wccftech.com
08.09.2023 / 09:29
Ghostrunner 2 Preview – More Ghost and More Running
Back when I first heard of it, I was interested in Ghostrunner. I can't honestly say why because that game style has never been my forte. I'm not good at the ultra-fast hacky-slashy nonsense; for the most part, I'm not good at the fast-speedy-platform lark either. Still, when I did play Ghostrunner, I enjoyed what I could, and there's no doubt that Francesco enjoyed it when he reviewed it and then reviewed the later DLC. I've had a chance to play Ghostrunner 2 now, and I can't stress enough that it has a motorbike.
mmorpg.com
05.09.2023 / 20:07
Diablo Immortal Makes Trial of the Hordes PvP More Chaotic and Rewarding, and Major Changes to Battlegrounds.
Diablo Immortal’s latest update goes live tomorrow, with the Trial of the Hordes Unleashed PvP event, other returning events, Battlegrounds and matchmaking changes, and more.
gamingbolt.com
03.09.2023 / 18:17
Little Nightmares 3 Devs Decided to Not Include Couch Co-op to Maintain “Atmosphere and Immersion”
The Little Nightmares franchise has always felt like it would be a perfect fit for co-op, given the fact that both games so far have put the spotlight on two core characters each, and though the series has remained exclusively single player so far, the recently-announced Little Nightmares 3 will be changing that- with a significant caveat though.
techradar.com
30.08.2023 / 10:23
Baldur's Gate 3 devs address cut content criticism, promising more bug fixes and a better ending for Karlach in Patch 2
Larian Studios, the developer behind the hit RPG Baldur's Gate 3, has revealed its plans for the game's second major post-launch Patch while addressing player criticisms surrounding bugs and cut content.
wccftech.com
29.08.2023 / 08:41
Diablo IV Gets 25% More XP and Gold This Weekend Thanks to Mother’s Blessing
Yesterday, Blizzard Entertainment announced that Diablo IV players would be able to enjoy a 25% increased XP and gold rate across all realms (Eternal and Seasonal) and World Tiers this weekend, thanks to Lilith's 'Mother's Blessing'.
pushsquare.com
28.08.2023 / 00:28
BioWare Cuts Roughly 50 Jobs, But Still Confident Dragon Age: Dreadwolf Will Reach 'Full Potential' | Push Square
Some unfortunate news from Mass Effect and Dragon Age developer BioWare: the studios has announced that it'll be «eliminating approximately 50 roles», in an attempt to reshape the company for the better.
tech.hindustantimes.com
26.08.2023 / 02:23
What to stream this weekend: Adam Sandler, 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' Tim McGraw and 'Honor Among Thieves'
Tim McGraw roars back with “Standing Room Only” and the “Mandalorian” spin-off “Star Wars: Ahsoka” are among the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you
wccftech.com
24.08.2023 / 19:17
T-Mobile Lays Off 5,000 Employees, Claiming That Retaining Customers Has Become More Expensive
T-Mobile may be ahead of its carrier rivals Verizon and AT&T in an effort to improve coverage and provide more affordable pricing to consumers, but it comes at a significant cost, which has now affected the livelihoods of 5,000 employees. CEO Mike Sievert shared details that the company had to trim 7 percent of its workforce, stating that retaining thousands of customers has become financially taxing.
techradar.com
24.08.2023 / 11:57
BioWare lays off about 50 people in the pursuit of being "agile" and "focused"
BioWare, the studio behind Dragon Age and Mass Effect series, has announced that it is laying off around 50 staff members to «meet the needs of upcoming projects» and to make the studio «more agile and more focused».
pcgamesinsider.biz
24.08.2023 / 09:05
BioWare cutting 50 jobs
EA's BioWare is laying off around 50 people from the studio.
ign.com
24.08.2023 / 03:23
Where to Score Armored Core and COD Modern Warfare 3 For Cheap, and More!
Welcome to a day of bargains and Armored Core VI embargo lifts. Mitch gave it an 8 here. Personally, I've played the hell out of it and have some thoughts as well. The TL;DR: without logging into the multi mode, you'll be hard pressed to milk the 50-60 hour estimate that's been getting around. That said, the combat feels great, and you can construct any svelte mech your heart desires. Be it an EVA unit knock-off. A Gundam. Or The Crushinator...