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Diablo 5 doesn't have towns or safe zones because you're the safe zone now, buddy: "You and your band of…
Diablo 5 will feature a unique approach to safety zones, with players and their traveling caravan serving as the primary safe havens in a fallen world. Executive producer Matt Zitterman explained that this design choice aligns with the narrative and the game's return to randomized dungeons. The caravan will grow with survivors, becoming a hub for merchants, crafters, and companions, offering deeper storytelling opportunities.
Diablo 5's narrative lead is a BioWare vet who says the new caravan system gives the ARPG the "best elements of traditional RPGs" like Dragon Age and Baldur's Gate
Diablo 5 will feature a new caravan system instead of traditional towns, inspired by BioWare veteran Jennifer Hepler's experience with games like Dragon Age and Baldur's Gate. Hepler, Diablo 5's narrative director, stated this system brings traditional RPG elements to the ARPG formula, allowing interaction with followers who have personalities.
BioWare crunched "21 days on, one day off" making Mass Effect, says former dev: "That was really, really…
Former BioWare cinematic designer Armando Troisi revealed that the development of the original Mass Effect involved extreme crunch, with teams working "21 days on, one day off" to meet impossible goals set by director Casey Hudson. Despite the grueling conditions and technical challenges of using a new engine, IP, and console, Troisi expressed pride in the final product, calling it a profound interactive film.
EA’s New Owners May Be Considering An Even Bigger Gaming Empire
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has become the majority shareholder of Electronic Arts and is reportedly considering merging it with Savvy Games Group, another PIF-owned entity. This potential consolidation, which could also involve Moonton, Scopely, and SNK, aims to improve coordination among the PIF's gaming assets. However, the move faces regulatory scrutiny due to the vast number of major franchises that would fall under one umbrella, and employees fear significant cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and studio closures, may be implemented.
Dragon Age Origins is a broken mess. Thankfully, six devs are trying to change that
Dragon Age: Origins, a beloved fantasy RPG, suffers from significant performance issues on PC, making it difficult for new players to enjoy. A dedicated team of six developers is working to decompile its source code for modernization and improved modding support, aiming for a community-managed release without direct profit motive.
Mass Effect Team Can Make a Great Game if Left Alone, Says Former Cinematic Designer
Former Mass Effect cinematic designer Armando Troisi believes the current BioWare team can create a great new Mass Effect game if left to their own devices, citing the presence of original developers. He contrasts this with the challenges of the live-service era and corporate interference, expressing optimism for BioWare's ability to excel at narrative-driven RPGs. However, concerns are raised about Electronic Arts' financial situation and potential focus on live-service titles.
Ex-BioWare designer says doom and gloom about the next Mass Effect is overstated: 'I think that they can do…
Former BioWare designer Armando Troisi believes skepticism surrounding the next Mass Effect game is overstated, asserting that the studio excels at single-player, narrative-driven RPGs when left to their own devices. He suggests that the studio needs to return to its core formula, free from the pressures of live-service development and external stakeholders, to recapture its former glory.
BioWare doesn't need advice for Mass Effect 4, says veteran designer, as long as "people get out of the way"
Veteran designer Armando Troisi believes BioWare's current team, which includes many original developers, doesn't need outside advice for the next Mass Effect game. He emphasizes that allowing the creators to work without interference is key to producing the magic they are known for, particularly in single-player, narrative-driven RPGs.
Mass Effect successor Exodus won’t let you bang the octopus party member
Archetype Entertainment's upcoming RPG Exodus, developed by former BioWare staff, will feature romance options similar to Mass Effect but will not allow players to romance an intelligent octopus character. The game's director stated that romance scenes will be tasteful and fade to black, unlike the more explicit scenes in Baldur's Gate 3. Meanwhile, updates on the next Mass Effect game remain scarce, with concerns about Electronic Arts' potential interference and monetization strategies impacting BioWare's development.
Mass Effect 5 will be great as long as executives "get out of the way," says former designer: "We're…
Former BioWare designer Armando Troisi believes Mass Effect 5 can be a great game if executives allow developers creative freedom. However, concerns are high due to Electronic Arts' recent executive decisions, including the handling of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Anthem, and a significant buyout involving Saudi Arabia and private equity.
Not Since Mass Effect Has A Sci-Fi RPG’s Choices Broken My Heart Like Exodus
Archetype Entertainment's upcoming sci-fi RPG, Exodus, offers a compelling narrative with impactful choices and emotionally resonant characters, despite initial skepticism about its talking animals. The game, developed in collaboration with sci-fi author Peter F. Hamilton, features stunning visuals, natural character animations, and a unique consequence system where player decisions can affect entire civilizations across generations. The preview highlights engaging combat and a refreshing take on the genre, drawing inspiration from titles like Mass Effect and films like Interstellar.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn turns the best Mass Effect mission into an entire game
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, an isometric CRPG developer Owlcat Games' foray into cinematic third-person RPGs, shows significant promise by improving upon the Mass Effect formula. The game features responsive combat, unique squadmate abilities called exploits, and a strong emphasis on crew interaction and heist-like missions, aiming to please both CRPG and Mass Effect fans.
Former Dragon Age lead says Baldur's Gate 3 studio Larian is taking a "risk" by making Divinity right after its 2023 RPG hit, but he applauds the devs for it
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah believes Larian Studios is taking a calculated risk by focusing on a new Divinity game immediately after the success of Baldur's Gate 3. He applauds Larian's strategy of focusing on one project at a time, contrasting it with BioWare's past issues of juggling multiple series.
Report: 13TB of Steam data leaked after users access 'publicly accessible endpoint'
A significant data leak, dubbed 'Steam2 leak,' has reportedly exposed 13TB of data from Valve's Steam platform, primarily containing files uploaded between 2003 and 2013. The leaked data includes early versions and assets of Valve games like Left 4 Dead 2 and Portal 2, as well as beta builds of third-party titles such as Dragon Age: Origins and Batman: Arkham Asylum. The information was allegedly accessed via a publicly accessible endpoint, raising security concerns for Valve and other exposed companies.
Saudi media conglomerate MBC expands into video game industry with new studio
Middle Eastern entertainment company MBC Group has launched MBC Game Studio, a new subsidiary focused on video game development. The studio's first project is "1001 Threads of Mizan," an action-adventure game set in the world of One Thousand and One Nights. MBC Game Studio aims to build a successful game franchise and elevate the local industry, while also confirming a policy against using generative AI technology.
Obituary: Actor Tim Curry, celebrated for his work in games, has passed at age 80
Actor Tim Curry, celebrated for his extensive work in video games and other media, has passed away at the age of 80. Curry's notable game roles include Dragon Age: Origins, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers, Brütal Legend, and Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. His career in interactive entertainment spanned from the early 1990s until 2009, with his final performance in Dragon Age: Origins.
Mass Effect successor Exodus announces 2027 release date at Gamescom
Archetype Entertainment announced that its original sci-fi RPG, Exodus, will launch on April 7, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game, developed by former Mass Effect staff, features a new trailer showcasing companion characters and has surpassed 500,000 wishlists. Exodus is published by Wizards of the Coast.
Exodus is out early next year, and I think I'm finally on board with the general Mass Effect vibes of it all
Exodus, a sci-fi RPG from Archetype Entertainment, is set to launch on April 7, 2027. The latest preview showcased new companions like Salt, an 'Awakened' creature, and Emrys, a member of the Deva species, drawing comparisons to the companion dynamics in the Mass Effect series. The game will be available on PC and can be wishlisted on Steam.
Exodus, The New Sci-Fi RPG From Former BioWare Devs, Finally Gets A Launch Date
Archetype Entertainment has announced that its sci-fi RPG Exodus will launch on April 7 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A new trailer revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live introduced the companion character Salt, a talking octopus piloting a mech suit, and showcased the game's time dilation mechanic where years in space equate to decades on the home planet.
Exodus release date confirmed for April 2027, a spiritual successor to Mass Effect
Archetype Entertainment has confirmed that the sci-fi RPG Exodus will be released on April 7, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game features choice-based mechanics and a time dilation feature, positioning it as a spiritual successor to Mass Effect. New gameplay footage was also revealed at Gamescom, showcasing companions Salt and Emrys.
