EA’s BioWare will lay off 50 and cut ties with unionized Keywords playtesting group
venturebeat.com
Electronic Arts said that its BioWare studio based in Edmonton, Canada, is laying off 50 people on the team even as Dragon Age: Dreadwolf.

Neither the layoffs nor breaking ties with a playtesting company that knows their worth in the market sound like they’re going to help BioWare make RPGs that can compete with Baldur’s Gate 3, formerly a BioWare series.

  • HolyDuckTurtle@kbin.social
    4·
    1 year ago

    Damn, even if it’s coincidental like the article suggests; those two things happening at once is NOT a good look for Bioware. Especially with BG3 being such a huge success.

    However, some slim silver lining for those being laid off is that EA/Bioware appear to be handling the situation more gracefully than others. From the article:

    McKay said that EA chose to act now to provide impacted colleagues with as many internal opportunities as possible. These changes coincide with a significant number of roles that are currently open across EA’s other studios. Impacted employees will be provided with professional resources and assistance as they apply for these positions. Those departing will receive credit in the game.

    I highlight the last part because removing people from credits is a shit thing to do and I’m glad to see them overtly state this will not be the case. Hopefully this is not just PR BS and the laid off employees get new roles quickly.

    • sirspate@kbin.social
      2·
      1 year ago

      True, as long as the game isn’t cancelled. Though I suppose that’d be the end of the studio if it were cancelled.