A group of seven former BioWare employees has filed a lawsuit against the renowned RPG studio for what they consider to be an insufficient severance package. Following BioWare’s recent decision to lay off approximately 50 employees, including veterans who had been with the company for over two decades, the ex-workers are seeking better compensation. The studio justified the layoffs by stating that they were pursuing a more agile and focused approach. However, the terminated employees argue otherwise.
The group of former employees asserts that BioWare ULC, the Edmonton-based video game studio, terminated them without just cause. According to the statement released by the ex-workers, the Alberta Courts typically award one month of severance pay per year of service, including the full value of benefits, in termination cases without cause. Notably, the plaintiffs collectively possess an average of 14 years of experience with BioWare.
BioWare’s severance package fell far short of these standards, prompting some ex-employees to negotiate for better terms. Unfortunately, Bioware refused to revise its initial offer. The terminated employees express concerns about the difficulty they will face in finding new employment, especially with the holiday season approaching. Not only are they hindered by BioWare’s non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), preventing them from including their work on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in their portfolios, but they also face the challenges posed by the recent wave of industry-wide layoffs.
While the former employees express their ongoing support for the game they poured their hard work into, they struggle to comprehend why BioWare is offering inadequate severance at such a challenging time. In the past week alone, Naughty Dog, Epic Games, and Team17 have also laid off staff members. The ex-workers question BioWare’s commitment to their well-being, especially considering the significant profits they have generated for the company.
The group’s lawyer, R. Alex Kennedy, emphasizes that the employees who were terminated without cause are talented artists and creators who have devoted years to their craft and contributed to their employer’s success. Such mass terminations warrant a strong response, and the lawsuit aims to address this issue.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, development on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and the fifth installment of Mass Effect remains in progress. The terminated employees maintain their passion for the games they worked on and express support for their colleagues who continue to contribute to these projects.
The former BioWare employees are taking a crucial stand in their fight for fair compensation. Their lawsuit highlights the need for improved severance packages and recognizes the contributions made by game developers to the success of their employers. As the gaming industry faces increasing instability and uncertainty, it is essential for studios to prioritize the well-being and livelihoods of their dedicated employees, even in times of restructuring or downsizing. Only by providing fair compensation and adequate support can studios foster a positive and sustainable work environment for their employees.
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