Several former employees of BioWare, the renowned RPG studio behind hit games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, are taking legal action against the company, demanding better compensation in the form of “adequate severance.” The lawsuit was filed after the recent layoff of approximately 50 employees, including some who had dedicated over two decades to the company. The studio attributed the layoffs to a “shift towards a more agile and focused studio.” However, the ex-employees argue that they are entitled to more generous severance packages based on legal precedents in similar termination cases in Alberta.
The group of former workers, who collectively hold an average of 14 years of service at BioWare, claims that the severance offered by the company is significantly below what they are rightfully owed. They point out that Alberta Courts typically award one month of severance pay per year of service, along with the full value of all benefits. Despite attempts to negotiate for better severance, BioWare has refused to increase the compensation amounts.
One terminated employee expressed concern about the difficulty they and their colleagues will face in finding new employment, especially with the approaching holiday season. A contributing factor is BioWare’s nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), which prevent developers from including their work on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in their portfolios. Additionally, the recent wave of industry layoffs adds to their anxieties. Notably, other esteemed game companies, such as Naughty Dog, Epic Games, and Team17, have also experienced significant staff reductions.
While the group of former employees emphasized their support for the game they had dedicated hard work to, they struggled to understand why BioWare would provide insufficient severance during such a challenging time. They believe that as artists and creators who have contributed to generating substantial profits for the company, they deserve fair treatment and appropriate compensation. Their lawyer, R. Alex Kennedy, condemned the mass termination without cause and stressed the need for a response.
Despite the legal action and internal turmoil, development on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and the fifth installment of the Mass Effect series continues at BioWare. Despite the setbacks caused by the layoffs and subsequent legal battle, the dedicated team of developers is still working hard on these highly anticipated games.
The lawsuit filed by former BioWare employees sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who dedicate years to their craft in the gaming industry. The dispute over adequate severance highlights the need for fair treatment and compensation for the contributions made to the company’s success. As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of the employees and the impact on BioWare’s reputation remain uncertain.
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