Layoffs at BioWare: Former Dragon Age writer says the franchise "is not dead" and belongs to the fans

BioWare, the studio behind iconic franchises like Dragon Age and Mass Effect, has been hit by layoffs recently, with several key developers from Dragon Age: The Veilguard being relocated to other EA studios or leaving the company. However, former Senior Writer Sheryl Chee, who is now at Motive Studios, shared a message of hope for fans of the series.

"Dragon Age is not dead," wrote Chee. "There are fanfics, art, connections we've made through the games and because of them. Technically, EA/BioWare owns the IP, but it can't own an idea, no matter how much it wants to. Dragon Age is not dead because it's yours now."

The gaming industry has been facing a wave of layoffs in recent years. After record growth during the COVID-19 lockdowns, many companies are cutting costs, affecting even talented developers. Chee acknowledges the difficulty: "It's been two tough years watching my team get smaller and having to soldier on. But I'm still employed, so there's that."

Despite the challenges, Chee maintains an optimistic tone, quoting a line from Albert Camus: "In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." She adds: "If Dragon Age inspired you to do something, if it ignited that invincible summer, then it served its purpose. It was the greatest honor to be part of it."

While many of the original creators of the series have been reassigned to other projects, fans can still relive the world of Dragon Age through games, fanfics, and art created by the community. Chee reinforces:

"Someone just reposted my text saying they're going to write a huge alternate story, and that's what I'm talking about."

BioWare has not officially commented on the layoffs or the future of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, but Chee's message resonates as a reminder that the legacy of a franchise goes beyond its original creators.