Editing BioWare (section)

==History==

===Foundation===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Bioware-1995.PNG|thumb|180px|left|An early logo used by BioWare]] -->
BioWare was founded by [[Ray Muzyka]] and [[Greg Zeschuk]], and Augustine Yip.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bioware.com/about/ |title=The History of BioWare }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/how-bioware-revolutionised-the-rpg |title=How BioWare revolutionised the RPG |first=Graeme |last=Mason |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=30 September 2018 |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619174121/https://www.eurogamer.net/how-bioware-revolutionised-the-rpg |url-status=live }}</ref> Of the founding team, Muzyka, Zeschuk and Yip had recently graduated from medical school at the [[University of Alberta]], and had a background in programming for use in school.<ref name="IGN History">{{cite web |title=IGN Presents the History of BioWare |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/22/ign-presents-the-history-of-bioware |access-date=29 December 2011 |date=21 January 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102161001/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/106/1062745p1.html |archive-date=2 January 2012}}</ref> Together with Yip, they had created a medical simulation programme.<ref name="IGN History" /> The three also played video games for recreation, eventually deciding to develop their own.<ref name="IGN History" /> Their success in the medical field provided them with the funding they needed to launch a video game company. To make their first game, they pooled their resources, $100,000 CAD each, which resulted in capital of $300,000.<ref name="IGN History" /> The company was incorporated on 1 February 1995, though formally launched on 22 May 1995.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p12.html |title=GameSpy Retro: Developer Origins, Page 12 of 19 |first=John |last=Keefer |date=31 March 2006 |website=[[GameSpy]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609133032/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p12.html |archive-date=9 June 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-05-22-bioware-turns-20-today |title=BioWare turns 20 today |first=Jeffrey |last=Matulef |date=22 May 2015 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-date=24 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524221345/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-05-22-bioware-turns-20-today |url-status=live }}</ref>

===1990s: ''Shattered Steel'' and ''Baldur's Gate''===
Their first game, ''[[Shattered Steel]]'', began its life as a proof-of-concept demo, similar to the [[MechWarrior (video game series)|''MechWarrior'' games]]. This demo was submitted to ten publishers, seven of whom returned to the company with an offer. A publishing deal for ''Shattered Steel'' was eventually signed with [[Interplay Entertainment]]. Brent Oster and Trent Oster formed Pyrotek Studios, which continued developing ''Shattered Steel'' but broke up a year later, with Trent joining BioWare as an early employee to finish the game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition interview: Trent Oster on building "BioWare 0.6 Mark 2" |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/baldur-s-gate-enhanced-edition-interview-trent-oster-building-bioware-06-mark-2 |access-date=5 January 2018 |last=Peel |first=Dan |date=23 November 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106064001/https://www.pcgamesn.com/baldur-s-gate-enhanced-edition-interview-trent-oster-building-bioware-06-mark-2 |archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> BioWare's first game was released the following year. ''Shattered Steel''{{'}}s release was described by [[IGN]] as a "modest success" with "decent sales". Two noteworthy points were the deformable terrain (player weapon damage caused craters in the environment) and zone damage (well-aimed gunfire could shoot mounted weapons off enemies). A sequel to ''Shattered Steel'' was planned for 1998 but never realized.<ref name="IGN History" />

BioWare's founders and staff were keenly interested in both [[role-playing video game|computerized]] and [[tabletop role-playing game|pen-and-paper]] variants of [[role-playing game]]s. Their next development project, therefore, was determined to be a role-playing game. When Interplay financed "exploratory development", BioWare presented the publishers with a demo called ''Battleground: Infinity''. Interplay suggested that the demonstrated gameplay engine would be well-suited to the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' licence which it had acquired from [[Strategic Simulations]]. Accordingly, ''Infinity'' was reworked in line with the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ruleset.<ref name="IGN History" />

The result was ''[[Baldur's Gate (video game)|Baldur's Gate]]'', with a development cycle of three years. During this time, the three doctors continued to practice medicine. The demands of development later prompted Muzyka and Zeschuck to leave medicine and move into full-time development. Augustine Yip decided to continue with his medical practice. ''Baldur's Gate'' sold more than two million copies after its release, nearly matching the sales of ''[[Diablo (video game)|Diablo]]''. Following the success of ''Baldur's Gate'', the Infinity Engine was used for the games ''[[Planescape: Torment]]'' and the [[Icewind Dale (series)|''Icewind Dale'' series]]. The success of ''Baldur's Gate'' was followed by an expansion pack for the game: ''[[Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast|Tales of the Sword Coast]]''.<ref name="Eurogamer History">{{cite web |title=The History of BioWare |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/the-history-of-bioware-article |access-date=29 December 2011 |last=Whitehead |first=Dan |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=16 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421220023/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/the-history-of-bioware-article |archive-date=21 April 2017}}</ref>

===2000s:  EA Acquisition, ''Mass Effect'' & ''Dragon Age''===
[[File:BioWare logo.svg|thumb|Logo used by BioWare for almost two decades, from ''[[Baldur's Gate (video game)|Baldur's Gate]]'' to ''[[Mass Effect: Andromeda]]'']]
At this point, BioWare decided to return to the action genre. The company's initial thought was to develop a sequel to ''Shattered Steel'', but eventually a sequel to ''[[MDK]]'' from [[Shiny Entertainment]] was chosen for development.<ref name="IGN History" /> ''[[MDK2]]'' was released on PC, [[Dreamcast]], and eventually [[PlayStation 2]], offering BioWare their first taste of developing [[console game|games for consoles]].<ref name="Eurogamer History" /> ''MDK2'' drew the same level of praise as its predecessor but, despite the success, BioWare returned to the ''Baldur's Gate'' series for their next project.<ref name="IGN History" />

''[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn]]'' was released in 2000,<ref name="Eurogamer History" /> two years after the release of ''Baldur's Gate''.<ref name="IGN History" /> ''Baldur's Gate II'' sold two million copies, matching the sales of the first game in the series. However, the success of both ''Baldur's Gate II'' and ''MDK2'' was not enough to stabilize Interplay financially.<ref name="IGN History" /> Subsequently, BioWare began to work with [[Infogrames]], which was later renamed to [[Atari]].<ref name="Eurogamer History" /> ''[[Neverwinter Nights (2002 video game)|Neverwinter Nights]]'' was originally to be published by Interplay, but the company lost the licence of the game to [[Atari, Inc. (1993–present)|Atari]] and part of their ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' licence to BioWare. After selling their D&D licence to Atari, BioWare developed ''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (video game)|Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic]]'' and ''[[Jade Empire]]''. It had publishing relationships with Interplay Entertainment, [[Infogrames]], under its new name Atari, [[LucasArts]], and [[Microsoft]].

The next few years saw a number of changes in BioWare's corporate status. In November 2005, it was announced that BioWare and [[Pandemic Studios]] (itself founded by former [[Activision]] employees) would be joining forces (with each maintaining their own branding), with private equity fund [[Elevation Partners]] investing in the newly named VG Holding Corp. partnership. On 11 October 2007, it was announced that VG Holding Corp. had been bought by [[Electronic Arts]] for {{US$|775|link=yes}}{{nbsp}}million (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US|0.775|2007|r=2}} billion in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{cite web |last=Klepek |first=Patrick |title=EA Acquires BioWare, Pandemic |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3163607|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160522222845/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3163607|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 May 2016 |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=11 October 2007 |access-date=14 June 2009}}</ref> BioWare therefore became a unit of EA, but still retained its own branding.

In 2007, BioWare released the science fiction role-playing game ''[[Mass Effect (video game)|Mass Effect]]''. The following year, BioWare released ''[[Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood]]'' on the [[Nintendo DS]], its first title for a [[handheld game console]]. Later, EA announced that BioWare would merge with [[Mythic Entertainment]], another division of EA who would rename itself as BioWare Mythic after the deal.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=2009-06-24 |title=EA Combines Mythic And BioWare Into A Giant RPG Robot |url=http://kotaku.com/5302069/ea-combines-mythic-and-bioware-into-a-giant-rpg-robot |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=7 February 2024 |archive-date=29 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929153407/http://kotaku.com/5302069/ea-combines-mythic-and-bioware-into-a-giant-rpg-robot |url-status=live }}</ref>

The growth of the MMORPG group as part of Electronic Arts in 2008 resulted in three additional studios being added to the BioWare group outside BioWare's original home base in Edmonton. The first, located in [[Austin, Texas]], and headed by industry veterans [[Gordon Walton]] and Richard Vogel, was created to work on the ''Star Wars: The Old Republic'' MMORPG project. Both the studio and the project were announced on 13 March 2006. On 2 March 2009, BioWare announced it had opened a new studio in [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]], to assist with existing projects as necessary.<ref name="Montreal">{{cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |title=BioWare Mass-ing Montreal devs |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6205477.html |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=2 March 2009 |access-date=22 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621040131/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6205477.html |archive-date=21 June 2009}}</ref>

During the mid-2000s, BioWare staff developed a number of video game projects which were ultimately canceled. A handheld spin-off for ''Mass Effect'' franchise titled ''Mass Effect: Corsair'', inspired by the gameplay of ''[[Star Control]]'' and played from a first-person perspective, was briefly explored as a potential project for the [[Nintendo DS]] in 2008.<ref name=GS>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mass-effect-corsair-would-have-been-first-person-space-sim-for-the-nintendo-ds/1100-6493393/#comments-block-33562476|title=Mass Effect: Corsair Would Have Been First-Person Space Sim For The Nintendo DS|last=Koch|first=Cameron|date=June 29, 2021|work=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=July 7, 2021|archive-date=7 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907171249/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mass-effect-corsair-would-have-been-first-person-space-sim-for-the-nintendo-ds/1100-6493393/#comments-block-33562476|url-status=live}}</ref> A sequel to ''Jade Empire'' was under development at one point.<ref name=Revolver/> The project transitioned into a spiritual successor codenamed ''Revolver'', which was canceled by 2008.<ref name=Revolver/> Trent Oster led a team which worked on a spy-themed role-playing game codenamed ''Agent'' prior to his second departure from BioWare in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/76949/biowares-cancelled-spy-rpg-agent-revealed/|title=BioWare's cancelled spy RPG 'Agent' revealed|first=Alice|last=O'Connor|work=Shacknews|date=December 7, 2012|access-date=July 23, 2021|archive-date=24 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724031222/https://www.shacknews.com/article/76949/biowares-cancelled-spy-rpg-agent-revealed|url-status=live}}</ref> Unused concept art for ''Agent'' and ''Revolver'' are featured in the art book ''BioWare: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development'', published in January 2021.<ref name=Revolver>{{cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/bioware-art-revealed-for-scrapped-jade-empire-successor-project-revolver/|title=BioWare Art Revealed for Scrapped Jade Empire Successor, Project Revolver|first=Damien|last=Lawardorn|work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|date=January 25, 2021|access-date=July 23, 2021|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723065815/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/bioware-art-revealed-for-scrapped-jade-empire-successor-project-revolver/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 24 June 2009, Electronic Arts announced a restructuring of their role-playing and massively multiplayer online games development into a new group that included both Mythic Entertainment and BioWare. Ray Muzyka, co-founder and general manager of BioWare, was appointed the group general manager of this newly formed "BioWare Group". BioWare's other co-founder, Greg Zeschuk, became the Group Creative Officer for the new MMORPG studio group. BioWare's studios remained unchanged and continued to report to Muzyka. Near the end of 2009, BioWare released the critically acclaimed fantasy role-playing game ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/dragon-age-origins-delayed-to-second-half-of-2009/|title=Dragon Age: Origins delayed to second half of 2009|first=Justin|last=McEloy|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=March 2, 2009|access-date=September 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104140417/https://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/dragon-age-origins-delayed-to-second-half-of-2009/|archive-date=November 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2010s: Muzyka and Zeschuk's departure, ''Mass Effect'' on hiatus, ''Anthem''===
In January 2010, BioWare released the sequel to [[Mass Effect]], ''[[Mass Effect 2]]'', which would go on to receive critical acclaim and many awards. The company announced that it would be opening up a new customer service office in [[Galway]], Ireland, in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://insideireland.ie/2010/05/26/archive3648-3708/ |title=Electronic Arts to create 200 jobs in Galway |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313033605/http://insideireland.ie/2010/05/26/archive3648-3708/ |archive-date=13 March 2012}}</ref> BioWare completed three major games between 2011 and 2012. The [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) ''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic]]'' is based on BioWare's previous contribution to the [[Star Wars]] franchise,<ref>{{cite web |last=Glasser |first=AJ |title=Star Wars: The Old Republic – What We Know So Far |url=http://kotaku.com/5066929/star-wars-the-old-republic--what-we-know-so-far |publisher=Kotaku |date=22 October 2008 |access-date=14 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710014602/http://kotaku.com/5066929/star-wars-the-old-republic--what-we-know-so-far |archive-date=10 July 2009}}</ref> and was announced on 21 October 2008, although BioWare had first mentioned an unspecified new collaboration with [[LucasArts]] in October the previous year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/company/release/news20071030.html |title=LucasArts and BioWare Corp. to Create Ground-Breaking Interactive Entertainment Product |publisher=LucasArts.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222133545/http://www.lucasarts.com/company/release/news20071030.html |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> The other games were ''[[Dragon Age II]]'', the sequel to ''Dragon Age: Origins'', and ''[[Mass Effect 3]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.actiontrip.com/previews/360/masseffect_i_2.phtml |title=ActionTrip Mass Effect Interview |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318044143/http://www.actiontrip.com/previews/360/masseffect_i_2.phtml |archive-date=18 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ray-muzyka-biowares-illusive-man-live-q-and-a |title=BioWare's Illusive Man Live QA |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=28 January 2010 |publisher=Eurogamer.net |access-date=2 February 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131100321/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ray-muzyka-biowares-illusive-man-live-q-and-a |archive-date=31 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/bioware-says-dragon-age-2-to-look-super-hot/ |title=BioWare says Dragon Age 2 to look 'super hot' |last=Ransom-Wiley |first=James |publisher=Joystiq |date=29 January 2010 |access-date=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128160239/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/bioware-says-dragon-age-2-to-look-super-hot/ |archive-date=28 January 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.industrygamers.com/news/bioware-on-rpg-success-old-republic-natal-and-more/2 |title=BioWare on RPG Success, Old Republic, Natal and More |last=Brightman |first=James |publisher=industrygamers.com |date=4 June 2010 |access-date=11 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713030058/http://www.industrygamers.com/news/bioware-on-rpg-success-old-republic-natal-and-more/2 |archive-date=13 July 2011}}</ref>

Following the release of ''Mass Effect 3'' in March 2012, numerous players complained about its endings failing to fulfill the developer's earlier promises regarding the conclusion of the trilogy. In response to [[Mass Effect 3 ending controversy|the controversy surrounding the game's ending sequence]], BioWare announced on 5 April that they would reschedule their post-release content production and release an "Extended Cut" DLC that would expand the original endings and address the most common points of critique.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut/ |title=Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut |publisher=BioWare |date=5 April 2012 |access-date=5 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20120406112918/http://blog.bioware.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut/ |archive-date=6 April 2012}}</ref> The Extended Cut was released as a free download on 26 June 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bioware.com/2012/06/22/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-2/ |title=Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut |publisher=BioWare |date=22 June 2012 |access-date=23 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20120625091903/http://blog.bioware.com/2012/06/22/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-2/ |archive-date=25 June 2012}}</ref> On 18 September 2012, the next day after the official announcement of the [[Dragon Age: Inquisition|third ''Dragon Age'' title]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/17/dragon-age-3-inquisition-announced |title=Dragon Age 3: Inquisition Announced |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |date=17 September 2012 |website=IGN |access-date=17 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919195325/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/17/dragon-age-3-inquisition-announced |archive-date=19 September 2012}}</ref> both [[Ray Muzyka]] and [[Greg Zeschuk]], two of the remaining co-founders of BioWare, simultaneously announced they would be retiring from the gaming industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bioware.com/2012/09/18/from-ray-muzyka/ |title=From Ray Muzyka |last=Muzyka |first=Ray |date=18 September 2012 |publisher=BioWare Blog |access-date=20 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321052304/http://blog.bioware.com/2012/09/18/from-ray-muzyka/ |archive-date=21 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.bioware.com/2012/09/18/from-greg-zeschuk/ |title=From Greg Zeschuk |last=Zeschuk |first=Greg |date=18 September 2012 |publisher=BioWare Blog |access-date=20 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321052302/http://blog.bioware.com/2012/09/18/from-greg-zeschuk/ |archive-date=21 March 2015}}</ref> After almost a year without a formal head, EA appointed Matthew Bromberg the group general manager of the BioWare label on 9 September 2013. Former CEO and president of [[Major League Gaming]], Bromberg worked as the general manager of BioWare Austin since 2012; after his promotion, [[Jeff Hickman]] took over as the general manager in Austin. Aaryn Flynn remained in charge of BioWare Canada (Edmonton and Montreal) and [[Jon Van Caneghem]], the head of [[Victory Games (EA)|Victory Games]] and Waystone Studio (also parts of the BioWare label).<ref name="New chief">{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/09/09/ea-names-new-chief-of-bioware-label-exclusive/ |title=EA names new chief of BioWare label (exclusive) |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=9 September 2013 |work=[[VentureBeat]] |access-date=10 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910035454/http://venturebeat.com/2013/09/09/ea-names-new-chief-of-bioware-label-exclusive/ |archive-date=10 September 2013}}</ref>

After acquiring and dismantling [[LucasArts]], [[The Walt Disney Company]] announced in May 2013 that Electronic Arts will produce future ''[[Star Wars]]'' games, "in addition to the BioWare team, which is already developing for the Star Wars franchise."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ea.com/news/ea-and-disney-team-up-on-new-star-wars-games |title=EA and Disney Team Up on New Star Wars Games |last=Gibeau |first=Frank |date=6 May 2013 |publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] |access-date=25 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421173102/http://www.ea.com/news/ea-and-disney-team-up-on-new-star-wars-games |archive-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> In November 2013, teaser images from the next instalment of the ''Mass Effect'' series were released.<ref name="Mass Effect 4 teaser" /> At [[E3 2014]], BioWare Edmonton announced working on a new (unnamed) original intellectual property in addition to continuing their established series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/09/e3-2014-mass-effect-developer-bioware-teases-new-ip |title=E3 2014: Mass Effect Developer BioWare Teases New IP |last=Dyer |first=Mitch |date=9 June 2014 |work=[[IGN]] |access-date=10 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612013108/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/09/e3-2014-mass-effect-developer-bioware-teases-new-ip |archive-date=12 June 2014}}</ref> Another new IP, titled ''[[Shadow Realms]]'' is an episodic 4 vs. 1 story-driven online action role-playing game, and was announced on [[Gamescom 2014]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65EIZwhXWSs |title=Shadow Realms First Gameplay – IGN Live: Gamescom 2014 |website=IGN |date=15 August 2015 |access-date=21 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124121615/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65EIZwhXWSs |archive-date=24 January 2015}}</ref> On 9 February 2015, BioWare Austin announced that development on ''Shadow Realms'' would not continue.<ref>{{cite web |title=An Important Update on Shadow Realms |url=https://www.shadowrealms.com/blog/an-important-update-on-shadow-realms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150210082441/https://www.shadowrealms.com/blog/an-important-update-on-shadow-realms |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 February 2015 |access-date=10 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BioWare's Multiplayer PC Game Shadow Realms Canceled |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bioware-s-multiplayer-pc-game-shadow-realms-cancel/1100-6425195/ |access-date=10 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211080147/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bioware-s-multiplayer-pc-game-shadow-realms-cancel/1100-6425195/ |archive-date=11 February 2015|date=9 February 2015 }}</ref>

[[Casey Hudson]], the creator of the ''[[Mass Effect]]'' series, left BioWare in May 2014, while [[Drew Karpyshyn]], writer of ''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (video game)|Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic]]'' and the first two ''Mass Effect'' games, returned in 2015.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-lead-writer-drew-karpyshyn-returns-to-bioware/ |title=Mass Effect lead writer Drew Karpyshyn returns to BioWare |first=Andy |last=Chalk |date=21 September 2015 |access-date=22 September 2015 |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924161420/http://www.pcgamer.com/mass-effect-lead-writer-drew-karpyshyn-returns-to-bioware/ |archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> ''[[Dragon Age]]''{{'}}s writer [[David Gaider]] left BioWare in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-02-09-veteran-bioware-writer-david-gaider-seems-to-have-a-new-job |title=Veteran BioWare writer David Gaider seems to have a new job |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |first=Robert |last=Purchese |date=9 February 2016 |access-date=10 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210092820/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-02-09-veteran-bioware-writer-david-gaider-seems-to-have-a-new-job |archive-date=10 February 2016}}</ref> Chris Wynn and Chris Schlerf, both of whom had an important role in the development of ''[[Mass Effect: Andromeda]]'', left in December 2015 and February 2016 respectively.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/02/15/mass-effect-andromeda-lead-writer-leaves-bioware-to-join-bungie.aspx |title=Mass Effect: Andromeda Lead Writer Leaves BioWare To Join Bungie |first=Brian |last=Shea |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=15 February 2016 |access-date=16 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218084526/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/02/15/mass-effect-andromeda-lead-writer-leaves-bioware-to-join-bungie.aspx |archive-date=18 February 2016}}</ref> [[Alexis Kennedy]], co-founder of [[Failbetter Games]] and the creative director of ''[[Dragon Age]]: The Last Court'', joined BioWare as its "first ever guest writer" in September 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/09/12/bioware-failbetter-writer/ |title=Failbetter Founder Alexis Kennedy Writing For BioWare |last=Smith |first=Adam |date=12 September 2016 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |access-date=16 September 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913145652/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/09/12/bioware-failbetter-writer/ |archive-date=13 September 2016}}</ref>

On 13 September 2016, EA announced the formation of EA Worldwide Studios, which would consist of BioWare Studios, [[EA Mobile]], and [[Maxis]], and led by [[EA DICE|DICE]] co-founder [[Patrick Söderlund|Patrick Soderlund]]. At the same time, Samantha Ryan, head of EA Mobile and Maxis, was appointed the new head of BioWare Studios.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/bioware-maxis-ea-mobile-more-brought-together-form-ea-worldwide-studios-1581337 |title=EA Worldwide Studios: BioWare. EA Mobile and Maxis merged |last=Mascarenhas |first=Hyacinth |date=15 September 2016 |work=[[International Business Times]] |access-date=16 September 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916053122/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/bioware-maxis-ea-mobile-more-brought-together-form-ea-worldwide-studios-1581337 |archive-date=16 September 2016}}</ref> Released in March 2017, ''Andromeda'' was at the center of controversy of equal proportions, if not higher than that around the third chapter; starting with heavy criticisms that were addressed before the video game was released<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/bioware-mass-effect-andromeda-criticism,34025.html |title=Bioware Acknowledges 'Mass Effect: Andromeda' Criticism |date=30 March 2017 |website=tomshardware.com |access-date=11 May 2017 |archive-date=1 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501053803/http://www.tomshardware.com/news/bioware-mass-effect-andromeda-criticism,34025.html |url-status=live }}</ref> to the lukewarm response received by the specialized press and the fandom<ref>{{cite web |title=Mass Effect Andromeda Review Roundup: Most Polarizing Game of the Year |date=20 March 2017 |access-date=11 May 2017 |url=http://www.tomsguide.com/us/mass-effect-andromeda-review-roundup,news-24695.html |website=tomsguide.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509073028/http://www.tomsguide.com/us/mass-effect-andromeda-review-roundup,news-24695.html |archive-date=9 May 2017}}</ref> with sales lower than the previous ''Mass Effect'' games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-27-mass-effect-andromeda-physical-launch-sales-down-on-me3 |title=Mass Effect Andromeda physical launch sales down on ME3 |date=27 March 2017 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=11 May 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510033103/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-03-27-mass-effect-andromeda-physical-launch-sales-down-on-me3 |archive-date=10 May 2017}}</ref> Given the circumstances [[Electronic Arts]] had reportedly frozen the entire ''[[Mass Effect]]'' series, downgrading the BioWare Montréal branch from a leading development team to a support team,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/sources-bioware-montreal-downsized-mass-effect-put-on-1795100285 |website=Kotaku.com |date=10 May 2017 |access-date=11 May 2017 |title=Sources: BioWare Montreal Scaled Down, Mass Effect Put On Ice For Now |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510195120/http://kotaku.com/sources-bioware-montreal-downsized-mass-effect-put-on-1795100285 |archive-date=10 May 2017}}</ref> and later merging it into [[Motive Studios]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/bioware-montreal-is-being-merged-into-ea-motive/ |title=BioWare Montreal is being merged into EA Motive |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2 August 2017 |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801234043/http://www.pcgamer.com/bioware-montreal-is-being-merged-into-ea-motive/ |archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref>

During EA's ''EA Play'' pre-E3 press conference on 10 June 2017, BioWare revealed ''[[Anthem (video game)|Anthem]]'', a new [[action role-playing game]],<ref>{{cite web |title=E3 2017: BioWare Reveals New Project, Anthem |url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2017/06/10/e3-2017-bioware-reveals-new-project-anthem |website=IGN |access-date=12 June 2017 |date=10 June 2017 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319193725/https://ca.ign.com/articles/2017/06/10/e3-2017-bioware-reveals-new-project-anthem |url-status=live }}</ref> with BioWare's story writer, [[Drew Karpyshyn]], who previously worked on ''[[Mass Effect (video game)|Mass Effect]]'' and ''[[Mass Effect 2]]'', contributing to the new game.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/mass-effect-1-2-and-kotor-writer-is-working-on-anthem-biowares-new-ip |title=Mass Effect 1, 2 and KOTOR writer is working on Anthem, Bioware's new IP |work=Neowin|access-date=14 June 2017 |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614214752/https://www.neowin.net/news/mass-effect-1-2-and-kotor-writer-is-working-on-anthem-biowares-new-ip |archive-date=14 June 2017}}</ref> In July 2017, Aaryn Flynn, general manager of BioWare, announced that he would depart from the company. Hudson returned to BioWare as its new general manager.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/07/18/biowares-aaryn-flynn-leaves-company-casey-hudson-returns.aspx |title=BioWare's Aaryn Flynn Leaves Company, Casey Hudson Returns |first=Joe |last=Juba |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=18 July 2017 |access-date=19 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805060014/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/07/18/biowares-aaryn-flynn-leaves-company-casey-hudson-returns.aspx |archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref> Lead story developer for ''Jade Empire'' and ''Dragon Age'' creative director [[Mike Laidlaw]] announced his departure from BioWare in October 2017 after 14 years with the company.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dragon Age creative director leaves BioWare |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/12/16467044/dragon-age-creative-director-writer-mike-laidlaw-leaves-bioware |work=[[Polygon (magazine)|Polygon]] |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=12 October 2017 |access-date=23 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019232612/https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/12/16467044/dragon-age-creative-director-writer-mike-laidlaw-leaves-bioware |archive-date=19 October 2017}}</ref> [[James Ohlen]], the lead designer of the ''Baldur's Gate'' series, ''Neverwinter Nights'', ''Knights of the Old Republic'', ''Jade Empire'', and ''Dragon Age: Origins'', as well as the game director of ''The Old Republic'' MMO, left the studio after 22 years in July 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2018/07/13/bioware-departure-veteran-james-ohlen-leaves/ |title=Another BioWare Departure as Veteran Designer James Ohlen Leaves |last=Pavlovic |first=Uros |date=13 July 2018 |work=PlayStationLifeStyle.net |access-date=27 July 2018 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145819/http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2018/07/13/bioware-departure-veteran-james-ohlen-leaves/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 24 September 2019, it was announced that BioWare had moved from their old location on Calgary Trail into 3 stories of the [[Epcor Tower]] in downtown Edmonton.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/business/commercial-real-estate/bioware-moves-to-new-downtown-location|title=New home: BioWare relocates to 75,000-square-foot downtown Edmonton location|last=Labine|first=Jeff|date=24 September 2019|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|language=en|access-date=24 September 2019|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924155712/https://edmontonjournal.com/business/commercial-real-estate/bioware-moves-to-new-downtown-location|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2020s: New ''Dragon Age'' and ''Mass Effect'' games===

On 7 November 2020 or "N7 Day", a date first declared in 2012 by BioWare as an annual "worldwide celebration" of the ''Mass Effect franchise'', ''[[Mass Effect: Legendary Edition]]'' was announced as well as an all-new entry to the franchise that had just started development.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bioware-reportedly-confirms-a-new-mass-effect-game-alongside-remasters/|title=BioWare confirms a brand new Mass Effect and remasters are coming|work=[[Video Games Chronicle]]|date=7 November 2020|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012034724/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/bioware-reportedly-confirms-a-new-mass-effect-game-alongside-remasters/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, on 3 December, both Hudson and Mark Darrah, the executive producer on the ''Dragon Age'' series, announced their departures from the studio. Electronic Arts stated that work on the ''Mass Effect'' and ''Dragon Age'' games would still continue at the studio.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://kotaku.com/bioware-studio-head-dragon-age-producer-both-leave-stu-1845802859| title = BioWare Studio Head, Dragon Age Producer Both Leave Studio| first = Ash| last = Parrish| date = 3 December 2020| access-date = 3 December 2020| work = [[Kotaku]]| archive-date = 3 December 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201203212254/https://kotaku.com/bioware-studio-head-dragon-age-producer-both-leave-stu-1845802859| url-status = live}}</ref> A week later, a teaser trailer for the next ''Mass Effect'' game was shown at [[The Game Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/a-first-mass-effect-trailer-was-shown-at-the-game-awards/|title=A first Mass Effect trailer was shown at the Game Awards|work=CNET|date=10 December 2020|access-date=20 December 2020|archive-date=11 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211025352/https://www.cnet.com/news/a-first-mass-effect-trailer-was-shown-at-the-game-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 14 May 2021, ''[[Mass Effect: Legendary Edition]]'' was released on [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.psu.com/reviews/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-ps4/ | title=Mass Effect Legendary Edition Review (PS4) – A Solid And Impactful Remaster To One Of The Greatest Trilogies In Gaming | first=Neil | last=Bolt | date=20 May 2021 | access-date=10 June 2021 | work=PSU | archive-date=10 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610222943/https://www.psu.com/reviews/mass-effect-legendary-edition-review-ps4/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[Xbox One]] series.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/05/14/mass-effect-legendary-edition-now-available/ | title= Mass Effect Legendary Edition Now Available for Xbox One and Xbox Series... | first= Mike | last= Nelson | date= 14 May 2021 | access-date= 10 June 2021 | work= [[Xbox]] | archive-date= 10 June 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210610215443/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/05/14/mass-effect-legendary-edition-now-available/ | url-status= live }}</ref>

On 23 August 2023, about 50 BioWare developers were laid off.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Square |first=Push |date=2023-08-23 |title=BioWare Cuts Roughly 50 Jobs, But Still Confident Dragon Age: Dreadwolf Will Reach 'Full Potential' |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/08/bioware-cuts-roughly-50-jobs-but-still-confident-dragon-age-dreadwolf-will-reach-full-potential |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB |archive-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828191018/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/08/bioware-cuts-roughly-50-jobs-but-still-confident-dragon-age-dreadwolf-will-reach-full-potential |url-status=live }}</ref> A group of former employees later sued EA, seeking better severance following their layoffs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-04 |title=Former Dragon Age staff seek further compensation following layoffs |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/former-dragon-age-staff-seek-further-compensation-following-layoffs |access-date=2024-03-02 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004180716/https://www.eurogamer.net/former-dragon-age-staff-seek-further-compensation-following-layoffs |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 31 October 2024, the fourth instalment in the Dragon Age series, ''[[Dragon Age: The Veilguard]]'', was released. The game received "generally favorable" reviews from critics according to the [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dragon Age: The Veilguard (PC Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-age-the-veilguard/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.metacritic.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dragon Age: The Veilguard (PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-age-the-veilguard/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.metacritic.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Xbox Series X Critic Reviews) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-age-the-veilguard/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=www.metacritic.com |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' described the sales as "decent" but said the numbers may not have pleased publisher EA.<ref name=":16">{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2025-01-17 |title=Dragon Age: The Veilguard game director leaving BioWare |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/dragon-age-the-veilguard-game-director-leaving-bioware |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121093502/https://www.eurogamer.net/dragon-age-the-veilguard-game-director-leaving-bioware |archive-date=2025-01-21 |access-date=2025-01-21 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |language=en |quote=Critically, The Veilguard has been received well, and commercially sales have been decent - but there's also been a suggestion that sales have not exceeded expectations.}}</ref> ''Dragon Age: The Veilguard'' was [[Review bomb|review bombed]] by users for being "'[[woke]],' '[[DEI]],' '[[propaganda]],' and '[[Gay agenda|agenda-driven]]'" on Metacritic, causing the platform to respond with a statement and by removing user reviews which had violated their guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |title=Metacritic Responds To ‘Dragon Age: The Veilguard’ Review Bombing |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/11/06/metacritic-responds-to-dragon-age-the-veilguard-review-bombing/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> ''Veilguard'' is the first BioWare game that allows the player character to identify as [[transgender]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=2024-11-06 |title=Why the Dragon Age: The Veilguard team designed its trans-inclusive storylines |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/474954/dragon-age-the-veilguard-gender-trans-nonbinary-interview |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> On 7 November 2024, or "N7 Day", BioWare released a patch which added several ''Mass Effect''-inspired costumes into the game.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2024-11-08 |title=Dragon Age: The Veilguard's first patch adds some Mass Effect flair to your wardrobe |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/dragon-age-the-veilguards-first-patch-adds-some-mass-effect-flair-to-your-wardrobe/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |language=en}}</ref> In late October 2024, following the release of ''Veilguard'', creative director John Epler stated that BioWare's attention had "shifted entirely to the next ''Mass Effect'' [game]" in an interview with [[Rolling Stone]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=George |date=2024-10-31 |title='Dragon Age: The Veilguard' Is Bioware's Best Game in Ages. Here's How They Got There |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/dragon-age-the-veilguard-john-epler-interview-1235147001/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Veilguard'' game director Corinne Busche exited BioWare for a role at a different company in January 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-01-17 |title=Dragon Age: The Veilguard game director leaving BioWare |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/dragon-age-the-veilguard-game-director-leaving-bioware |access-date=2025-01-31 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref>

[[Amazon MGM Studios]] officially confirmed on 7 November 2024 that a ''Mass Effect'' TV series is in development, following negotiations that had started in late 2021. BioWare executive producer Michael Gamble will also act as an executive producer on the TV adaptation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2024-11-07 |title=‘Mass Effect’ TV Series in the Works at Amazon From ‘Fast & Furious 9’ Writer (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/mass-effect-tv-series-amazon-writer-marvel-1236203755/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2021-11-23 |title=‘The Wheel Of Time’ Makes Strong Debut As Amazon Prime Video Doubles Down On Genre With ‘Mass Effect’ Adaptation & Prepares To Usher In ‘LOTR’ |url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/the-wheel-of-time-premiere-ratings-amazon-prime-video-mass-effect-lort-of-the-rings-jennifer-salke-qa-1234879517/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

In January 2025, EA lowered its upcoming annual revenue forecast due to the underperformance of both ''[[EA Sports FC 25]]'' and ''Veilguard''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kachwala |first=Zaheer |date=January 23, 2025 |title=EA shares slump after soccer game misses goal |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/ea-shares-slump-after-annual-forecast-cut-fans-fears-over-soccer-franchise-2025-01-23/ |access-date=January 31, 2025 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-01-22 |title=EA blames ‘underperformance’ of Dragon Age and EA FC25, as it lowers forecast |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ea-blames-underperformance-of-dragon-age-and-ea-fc25-as-it-lowers-forecast/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=VGC |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2025-01-22 |title=Electronic Arts says 'Dragon Age and EA Sports FC 25 underperformed' as it revises its financial outlook downward |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/electronic-arts-says-dragon-age-and-ea-sports-fc-25-underperformed-as-it-revises-its-financial-outlook-downward/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> EA stated that ''Veilguard'' had "engaged" 1.5 million players during the three months ending December 31, 2024, underperforming their expectations by half.<ref name="Bloomberg on downsize" />{{Efn|EA has not defined "engagement". ''IGN'' highlights that EA does not differentiate between unit sales or players acquired through EA's Play Pro subscription service.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2025-01-22 |title=Dragon Age: The Veilguard Had 1.5 Million Players in First Two Months, EA Expected 3 Million |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-age-the-veilguard-had-15-million-players-in-first-two-months-ea-expected-3-million |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126092132/https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-age-the-veilguard-had-15-million-players-in-first-two-months-ea-expected-3-million |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |quote=Notably, EA does not say the 1.5 million number was unit sales - Dragon Age: The Veilguard was also available as a part of EA's Play Pro subscription service. Additionally, it's not clear whether EA is counting a free trial of the game that was available through the cheaper EA Play subscription in the 1.5 million number either.}}</ref>}} Later that month, EA restructured and downsized BioWare.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2025-01-30 |title=BioWare veterans confirm they were laid off by EA, including senior Dragon Age and Mass Effect devs |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/bioware-veterans-confirm-they-were-laid-off-by-ea-including-senior-dragon-age-and-mass-effect-devs/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref>  While a small ''Mass Effect'' team was retained to continue work, the studio "is now down from more than 200 people two years ago to less than 100 today".<ref name="Bloomberg on downsize">{{Cite news |last=Schreier |first=Jason |date=January 31, 2025 |title=Electronic Arts Slashes BioWare After 'Dragon Age' Sales Miss |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-01-31/electronic-arts-slashes-bioware-after-dragon-age-sales-miss |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250131193538/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-01-31/electronic-arts-slashes-bioware-after-dragon-age-sales-miss |archive-date=January 31, 2025 |access-date=January 31, 2025 |work=[[Bloomberg News]]}}</ref> This restructuring included layoffs in the ''Dragon Age'' team,''<ref name=":0" />'' with IGN noting that "terminated" employees "are being offered time to apply to other roles within the company if they so choose".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2025-01-30 |title=Dragon Age Developers Reveal They’ve Been Laid Off After BioWare Puts ‘Full Focus’ on Mass Effect |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-age-developers-reveal-theyve-been-laid-off-after-bioware-puts-full-focus-on-mass-effect |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] stated that some BioWare employees were "loaned out to other teams within their parent company" and then later informed "that the loans had morphed into permanent relocations" to various EA subsidiaries.<ref name="Bloomberg on downsize" /> ''[[PC Gamer]]'' highlighted that "well-known BioWare veterans" are no longer at the company and "collectively, the cuts represent a major loss of creative talent for the studio, and bears echoes of BioWare's layoff of roughly 50 employees in 2023".<ref name=":0" />