BioWare dismisses 50 employees as part of the plan to ensure “outstanding level Dragon Age: Dreadwolf”

Electronic Arts reported that its BioWare studio, located in Edmonton (Canada), dismisses 50 people from the team, despite the fact that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is located in the late stages of development.

"Dismissal is a blow to the moral spirit of the studio and the complication of the situation", Gary McKay, general manager of the developer, stated today in his appeal to employees. According to him, EA is trying to turn BioWare into a more flexible and focused studio. According to estimates, 12-13 thousand work in EA. employees, and in BioWare – about 250 people.

"After long thoughts and thorough planning, ”says Gary Mcake, General Director General of BioWare,“ we have developed a long -term concept that will maintain the health of the studio and give us the opportunity to do what we do best: to create exceptional plot single -user games filled with huge worlds and rich characters". This concept balances the current needs of the studio – namely, ensuring that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will become an outstanding game – and its future, including the success of the next Mass Effect".

To achieve this, we were in a position where the changes are not only necessary, but also inevitable. No matter how difficult it is to talk about it, but the rethinking of our approach to development inevitably means reorganizing our team in accordance with the changing needs of the studio. As part of this transition, we eliminate about 50 posts in BioWare. It is very painful and humiliating about it. We do our best to make this process with sympathy, respect and clear communication.

Andrew Wilson, CEO of EA, back in March announced that the company will reduce about 6% of the total number of employees, and these reductions are associated with this step.

According to Macake, EA decided to act now to provide the victim colleagues as many opportunities as possible for employment. These changes coincide with a significant number of vacancies that are currently open in other EA studios. Professional resources and assistance will be provided with injured employees when submitting applications for these positions. Output employees will be awarded in the game.

"Although it is unlikely that everyone will find a new role in the company, we are ready to support our employees when they will navigate the changes that are taking place. We sincerely hope that they will be able to continue their exemplary work in the studios, which can benefit from their talents", – McKay said.