On the brink of gamescom 2023 this is certainly sad news. Renowned game developer Bioware has announced that around 50 jobs will be cut within the studio. One of the most notable individuals affected by this move and wave of layoffs is Mary Kirby, who served as lead writer and was responsible for the popular character Varric in the Dragon Age series, among others.
These are the reasons for the dismissal in connection with Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
It has been almost five years since the announcement of the next chapter in the Dragon Age series, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. Yet despite this long span of time, little significant information about the game has been revealed. Instead, Bioware has repeatedly been thrust into the spotlight due to negative headlines. This includes the departure of prominent executives such as Mac Walters and Matthew Goldman, as well as alleged leaks that show the game in an unfavourable light. Fans will regrettably have to continue to wait to hear positive news regarding Dragon Age: Dreadwolf or even the next Mass Effect game.
In a recent blog post titled “An Update on the State of Bioware,” the focus is less on current development projects and more on the studio itself. The post explains that Bioware has been thinking hard about its future and wants to ensure that it evolves into a more agile and focused operation in an ever-changing industry. Specifically, it mentions that approximately 50 positions within Bioware have been eliminated. 50 employees affected by the layoff, who were instrumental in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf development, is a major blow.
Bioware’s general manager Gary McKay explains that changes are needed to adapt to changing demands. The exact nature of these changes remains unclear. Laid-off employees will be offered the option to apply for other jobs within Electronic Arts, while remaining employees are assured of support during the transition. Mary Kirby, a long-time writer and instrumental in the creation of Varric, is among those laid off. Despite concerns about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, Bioware CEO reaffirms commitment to the game, but without giving a timeline. How much the layoff of so many employees will affect the development of the next Dragon Age title is at least anyone’s guess at the moment.
