Whether Electronic Arts (EA) will implement layoffs following the recent $55 billion acquisition is a matter of curiosity in the gaming world. Rumors suggest that BioWare, one of the company’s long-established studios, could be one of the hardest hit.
According to Insider Gaming, employees at the studio are uneasy due to the uncertainty surrounding the future. A BioWare insider expressed their concerns, saying, “Remember what we went through during the Dragon Age era. If it was a difficult time back then, you can imagine what some of our colleagues are thinking now.”
Another employee summed up the current mood by saying, “We’ll keep working until we’re told we’re done. It’s not the healthiest lifestyle, but as long as we keep getting paid, no one’s going to just walk away.”
BioWare’s bells are ringing
Following the massive failure of Anthem, BioWare returned last year with Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the game failed to reach EA’s sales targets. While aiming for 3 million players, the company announced that it had reached only 1.5 million in January 2025. This has led to significant downsizing at the studio, with staff numbers dropping to less than 10%.
The studio is currently working on a new Mass Effect game. However, the question on employees’ minds is whether they will have the opportunity to complete this project. Insider Gaming noted that there have been attempts to sell BioWare in the past, but these attempts have been shelved for now due to the change of ownership of EA.
EA’s new owners include the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. Taking the company private could alleviate “shareholder pressure” in the short term. However, the high debt burden resulting from the massive acquisition could force new investors to implement rapid cost cuts. This poses a significant risk for BioWare, one of the most vulnerable studios.
BioWare has produced unforgettable RPGs throughout its gaming history, including Baldur’s Gate 1 & 2, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age. However, fluctuations in recent years have raised questions about the studio’s future.
The roadmap EA’s new owners will pursue continues to be a development closely watched not only by BioWare but also by the entire gaming industry.
