BioWare
BioWare business and news from across the web.
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Canadian Politician Wants the Government to Bail Out Mass Effect Developer BioWare
Avi Lewis, leader of a Canadian opposition party, has called for the Canadian government to provide financial assistance to the Mass Effect developer BioWare. This suggestion comes amid discussions about the future of the studio and its development.
Mass Effect 5 lead says outpouring of support following BioWare closure "means so much to us," but is looking on the bright side: "At least I don't have to call in sick when GTA 6 comes out"
Following the closure of BioWare and cancellation of Mass Effect 5, project director Mike Gamble thanked fans for their support and vouched for his team's talent. He also made a humorous remark about not having to call in sick when Grand Theft Auto 6 releases. The article also briefly mentions a leaked trailer for Mass Effect 5 and a defense of the Dragon Age: The Veilguard development team.
An alleged former BioWare dev leaks the 'Mass Effect Universe' trailer following studio closure, and fans believe this could be a 'Deadpool-style' move 'intended to generate public pressure and potentially give the cancelled project a second chance'
An alleged former BioWare developer leaked a trailer for the cancelled "Mass Effect Universe" game, showcasing in-engine footage and pre-production assets. The leak has intensified fan backlash against Electronic Arts following BioWare's closure and has sparked a '#SaveMassEffect' petition, with some speculating it's a "Deadpool-style" move to generate public pressure for a revival.
"What if Larian had shut down after Divine Divinity?": Star Trek Online exec scorns publishers who close teams like BioWare in favour of "AAA veteran" start-ups and AI "magic beans"
Star Trek Online executive producer Thomas Marrone criticizes the industry practice of shutting down established development teams in favor of new studios led by "AAA veterans" or relying on emerging technologies like AI. He argues this approach is irresponsible and self-sabotaging, highlighting that successful studios like Larian and Blizzard often achieve breakthroughs after multiple titles and years of team collaboration. Marrone suggests that publishers prioritizing short-term financial gains should exit game development entirely.
Mass Effect Universe trailer leaks and it makes BioWare's closure more painful
A trailer for BioWare's cancelled Mass Effect game, reportedly titled Mass Effect Universe, has leaked online, intensifying anger over EA's decision to close the studio. The footage features a new protagonist and returning character Liara T’Soni, set after the original trilogy. Industry journalist Jason Schreier confirmed the trailer's authenticity, highlighting the loss of potential new entries in the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises.
Flashy internal trailer for now-cancelled Mass Effect Universe appears online, following EA's closure of BioWare
An internal trailer for the cancelled Mass Effect Universe game, which was in development at BioWare before its closure, has surfaced online. The trailer showcases a new protagonist, crew, combat, and a brief appearance by Liara, offering a glimpse into what could have been. The cancellation and subsequent layoffs at EA, impacting BioWare and other studios like Respawn, have led to widespread disappointment and anger within the industry and among fans.
En trailer för nedlagda Mass Effect 5 har läckt
A trailer for the canceled Mass Effect 5, potentially titled Mass Effect Universe, has leaked online and been confirmed as authentic by Jason Schreier. The trailer, rendered in the game engine, shows no gameplay but depicts a former military character. Electronic Arts has reportedly scrapped the game and closed BioWare, though the article notes that another developer might take over the franchise.
Games Inbox: Is the video games industry dying?
Multiple readers express concern over the current state of the video games industry, citing high development costs, studio closures, and a perceived decline in quality. There is a debate about whether the industry is truly dying, particularly in the West, with some readers finding solace in Nintendo's unique approach and the enduring appeal of physical media.
Mass Effect 5 Took Cues From Larian, CD Projekt RED For Player Agency, Says Former Developer
Former BioWare developers have shared insights into the canceled Mass Effect 5, revealing it aimed for unprecedented player autonomy by drawing inspiration from Larian Studios and CD Projekt RED. Despite the project's cancellation and BioWare's reported shutdown, former employees expressed sadness over the lost potential and praised the talent within the studio.
BioWare Is Finished – Where Did It All Go Wrong?
BioWare, a historically influential role-playing game studio, has officially closed down, with Electronic Arts restructuring the studio and laying off developers. The article reflects on the studio's past successes like Baldur's Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, while also acknowledging its recent failures with Anthem and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, attributing the decline to unsustainable development practices and EA's alleged mismanagement.
BioWare Veteran Defends Team Behind Dragon Age: The Veilguard Following Studio Closure
BioWare veteran James Ohlen defended the development team behind Dragon Age: The Veilguard, stating that most individuals had little influence on the game's criticized aspects. He also shared personal views on modern entertainment and political messaging. The article touches on the game's development history, including pivots between single-player and live-service models under EA's direction, and notes that while reviews were positive, player reception was mixed.
BioWare veteran goes to bat for Dragon Age The Veilguard's dev team, says most of them "had little or no say…
Former BioWare director James Ohlen has defended the development team behind Dragon Age: The Veilguard, stating that most had little input on the game's controversial elements. He also addressed criticism of modern entertainment and political messaging, emphasizing the complexity of individuals and the importance of respecting differing views.
BioWare Did Something Very Rare For The Time: It Took Star Wars Seriously
This article analyzes BioWare's significant contribution to the Star Wars universe, particularly through the critically acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. It highlights how BioWare's deep understanding of the franchise allowed for rich worldbuilding and a compelling narrative, influencing subsequent Star Wars media and RPGs, despite the recent closure of BioWare and cancellation of its new Mass Effect project.
Canadian politician calls on government to help BioWare employees buy the studio and run it themselves
Canadian politician Avi Lewis has called on the government to support BioWare employees in buying out the studio from Electronic Arts, criticizing private equity's impact on the company. Lewis advocates for developers to run the studio themselves to prevent further decline, referencing the "Mass Effect effect" as a cautionary tale.
EA Has A New Plan For Madden, And It Leans Into Everything The Company Gets Wrong
Electronic Arts is planning a new 'social-first open-world experience' for its American Football games, tentatively called Project Gridiron, which aims to emulate NBA 2K's successful 'The City' mode. However, the article argues that EA's history of lacking patience, authentic voice, and community goodwill, coupled with its aggressive monetization strategies, makes it unlikely to succeed where NBA 2K has thrived. The piece highlights EA's past failures with similar modes and its tendency to abandon features, suggesting Project Gridiron is set up for disappointment.
I’m Getting Very Worried About Skate Following EA Layoffs
The author expresses significant concern for the future of the game Skate following recent layoffs at publisher Electronic Arts and its developer Full Circle. Despite recent improvements in the game's live-service content, the reduction in staff raises worries about the game's development trajectory and EA's commitment to the franchise.
'No other studio in the world did it better' than BioWare at its peak, says former Dragon Age lead writer…
Former BioWare lead writer David Gaider expressed sadness over the studio's closure, reflecting on its peak as an unparalleled institution in game development. He shared fond memories of the positive fan reception to Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, which solidified his career choice. The article notes that while the closure was predictable given industry trends, it represents a significant loss for RPG development.
Mass Effect 5 Trailer Leaks After EA Announces BioWare Closure, Features A Returning Character
A trailer for Mass Effect 5, tentatively titled Mass Effect: Universe, has leaked online, appearing to be legitimate. This leak follows an announcement from Electronic Arts regarding the closure of BioWare, a studio known for its work on the Mass Effect series.
An internal Mass Effect 5 trailer has reportedly leaked, offering you a glimpse at the sequel you'll never get to play
An internal trailer for the unreleased Mass Effect 5 has reportedly leaked, offering a glimpse into the game's pre-production assets and potential narrative direction, including the return of Liara T'Soni. This leak follows the announcement of BioWare's shutdown and the cancellation of the next Mass Effect game, alongside significant layoffs affecting The Sims, Skate, and Battlefield development teams.
EA Could Sell BioWare’s IP As It Looks To Tackle Its Massive Debt, Former Studio Boss Says
Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah suggested that Electronic Arts might sell off BioWare's intellectual property, including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Jade Empire, to help manage its $55 billion debt. This comes after EA announced the closure of BioWare and significant layoffs, leaving the future of these beloved franchises uncertain.
