In recent years, there has been hope that BioWare is on the path to a resurgence after the dismal failures of Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem. The primary focus has been on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, but recent months have seen reports raising doubts about the project, indicating a potential labor crisis.
BioWare Under Scrutiny for Labor Issues
BioWare is under scrutiny again after a group of former employees, who were laid off in August, filed a lawsuit against the company seeking better compensation. This group of developers, some with over 14 years of experience at the company, filed their legal action in Alberta's King's Bench Court, Canada. They argue that the amount offered by BioWare (owned by Electronic Arts) is minimal and does not align with labor laws, where up to one month's salary and benefits per year of service have been granted in the past. According to the plaintiffs, the company's offer falls short of this standard.
Quality Control Team for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf Gets Laid Off
While this unfolds, a new controversy emerged as it was confirmed that Keywords Studios fired the Quality Control team working on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in September. Notably, this team was unionized and had undergone the unionization process with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) in Canada.
A spokesperson for UFCW stated, "Keywords Studios workers spent a year trying to negotiate a fair first collective agreement before the shocking news that BioWare had terminated the contract with Keywords Studios Edmonton and subsequently laid off the unionized staff."
According to official information, BioWare claims the personnel cuts were necessary for the development process of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf to ensure that the remaining team members can focus on their work, resulting in better outcomes. EA mentioned earlier this year that one area they are looking to cut is quality control, asserting they have internal capabilities to handle it. However, quality control teams in the gaming industry, historically undervalued, have been actively involved in labor protests and attempts at unionization.
Stay tuned with us at LEVEL UP.
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