BioWare
BioWare business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
BioWare had a plan to reboot Star Wars: The Old Republic and make it more KOTOR like, but EA's board of directors shut it down
Former BioWare lead designer James Ohlen revealed a plan to reboot Star Wars: The Old Republic into a more KOTOR-like experience called 'The New Republic'. Despite convincing Lucasfilm executives Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, as well as EA's Patrick Söderlund, the project was ultimately rejected by EA's board of directors due to concerns over the original game's high budget.
Star Wars: The Old Republic Director James Ohlen Discusses BioWare Exit After EA Killed New Republic Reboot
James Ohlen, former director of Star Wars: The Old Republic, discussed his departure from BioWare in 2018. His exit followed the cancellation of a new reboot for the game by publisher Electronic Arts.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, ending a partnership with Embracer Group due to high technical costs and a strategic pivot away from massive online worlds. This marks Amazon's second failed attempt at a Tolkien-based MMO. The company is still working on a smaller, single-player Middle-earth game, potentially developed by Warhorse Studios, while its other MMO, New World, is scheduled to shut down on October 31, 2027.
Exodus' former studio head James Ohlen touches on why he left Archetype Entertainment: "I was running on fumes"
Former Archetype Entertainment studio head James Ohlen has explained his departure from the company and his role as producer on the game Exodus, citing severe burnout that impacted his health and personal life. Ohlen described the immense pressure of leading a AAA game studio and managing diverse personalities, stating he needed to step away from such a demanding environment. He is now focusing on RPG adventure books with Arcanum Worlds, a company he co-founded with fellow BioWare alum Jesse Sky.
'It nearly killed me': Why studio head James Ohlen left sci-fi RPG Exodus mid-development—and why EA crushing his Star Wars: The Old Republic reboot was the 'beginning of the end' at BioWare
James Ohlen, a veteran designer behind Baldur's Gate 2 and Knights of the Old Republic, discusses his departure from Archetype Entertainment's RPG Exodus, citing the immense pressure of studio leadership. He also reflects on his time at BioWare, detailing how EA's rejection of his Star Wars: The New Republic reboot plan marked the 'beginning of the end' for his career there.
Stardew Valley Creator Wants To Work With Humans And Not A "Soulless Machine"
Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone expressed concerns about using AI for creative endeavors in game development, emphasizing the importance of human expression over algorithmic output. While acknowledging potential niche uses for AI, he stated a preference for collaborating with human artists. Other industry figures like Casey Hudson and companies like Capcom have also recently commented on the role of AI in game creation.
Baldur's Gate 3 modders remaking the original Baldur's Gate show off a revamped Candlekeep as a taste of how their work's evolving
A group of Baldur's Gate 3 modders, known as Deathbringer's Reign, are recreating the original Baldur's Gate as a custom campaign. They have showcased a revamped Candlekeep, featuring a more overgrown and ancient aesthetic, demonstrating their evolving mastery of the Baldur's Gate 3 engine. The team is actively seeking skilled 3D and 2D artists to join their project.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic secures large investment as director Casey Hudson seems to reject the use of gen-AI
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, the spiritual successor to Knights of the Old Republic, has secured significant investment through GreaterThan Group, founded by former NetEase executive Simon Zhu. Director Casey Hudson expressed his aversion to using generative AI in development, citing it as creatively soulless. Hudson also indicated a preference for a more focused game length, aiming for completion before 2030.
"I just find AI to be creatively soulless": Casey Hudson on the controversial tech and Star Wars: Fate Of The Old Republic
Casey Hudson, director of the upcoming Star Wars: Fate Of The Old Republic, expressed his strong reservations about the use of artificial intelligence in game development, calling it 'creatively soulless.' He also discussed his preference for smaller development teams and games that are not excessively long, aiming for a completion experience rather than an endless grind.
Ex-Mass Effect lead isn't using AI on his new Star Wars RPG: "I'm just really unimpressed with it"
Casey Hudson, former lead of the Mass Effect series and founder of Arcanaut Games, stated that his studio will not use AI in the development of their upcoming RPG, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic. Hudson expressed his unimpressed sentiment towards AI in game development and prefers to contract work out to human co-developers instead.
Former NetEase exec's new investment group is funding Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic because 'everyone wins' if you 'give the best creator the opportunity to work on a dream project'
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, a successor to Knights of the Old Republic being developed by original director Casey Hudson, is being funded by GreaterThan Group, a new investment company founded by former NetEase executive Simon Zhu. Zhu aims to support developers impacted by industry turmoil, stating that giving creators the opportunity to work on their dream projects benefits everyone involved. GreaterThan Group has also invested in BulletFarm, a studio founded by David Vonderhaar.
10 Best real-time combat RPGs if you don't like waiting your turn
This article lists and describes ten of the best real-time combat RPGs for players who prefer action over turn-based mechanics. The list includes titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, highlighting their unique combat systems and gameplay vibes. Each entry is evaluated based on its combat complexity, build customization, and overall player experience.
Mass Effect hasn't been great in "a long time," but "D&D in space" RPG Exodus can fill the gap according to Hasbro's CEO
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks believes the upcoming sci-fi RPG Exodus, developed by former BioWare staff, can fill the void left by the Mass Effect series' perceived decline. He describes Exodus as "D&D in space" and highlights the pedigree of its development team. The article notes the long wait for a high-quality Mass Effect title since Mass Effect 2.
"Our players are going to be pretty psyched": Hasbro CEO talks D&D, video games, and playing to win
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks discusses the company's strategy for its intellectual properties, particularly Dungeons & Dragons, emphasizing a 'Playing to Win' approach that focuses on innovative experiences and engaging adult fans. Cocks highlights the success of Baldur's Gate 3 as an example of adapting D&D for digital platforms and expresses excitement for upcoming digital titles like Exodus, a 'D&D in space' inspired RPG.
10 Best Fantasy RPGs to play in 2026
This list highlights ten of the best fantasy RPGs available across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, catering to various playstyles from story-driven epics to challenging combat experiences. It includes a mix of new releases and enduring classics, with a focus on games that deeply integrate fantasy elements into their gameplay and world.
Alien Disclosure: The U.S releasing the UAP files ties into gaming tropes rather nicely
The recent declassification of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) files by the U.S. Department of War, FBI, and NASA has sparked discussions about their connection to gaming tropes. While no definitive proof of alien life was revealed, the release of reports from military personnel and astronauts, including transcripts from Apollo missions and sightings near military bases, highlights a growing seriousness in addressing these events. This influx of real-world mystery provides a rich source of inspiration for science fiction games exploring themes of space exploration, alien encounters, and humanity's place in the cosmos, as seen in titles like The Outer Wilds, Aphelion, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, Exodus, and Kerbal Space Program.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic Team Continues to Bring on Former KOTOR, Mass Effect Devs
Arcanaut Studios is assembling a development team for Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, heavily featuring former BioWare developers who worked on Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect. Director Casey Hudson stated the game will honor the legacy of Knights of the Old Republic with a new story and modern technology, though it will not carry over established lore due to Disney's IP acquisition. While no release date or platforms have been officially announced, it is expected before 2030 and likely for PC and current-generation consoles.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic attracts more ex-BioWare and KOTOR talent to the team
Arcanaut Studios, a new developer founded by Casey Hudson, is assembling a team with significant BioWare and Knights of the Old Republic experience for its upcoming Star Wars RPG, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic. Recent hires include art director Pascal Blanché, CTO Ryan Hoyle, and director Caroline Livingstone, all of whom have worked on previous Star Wars or Mass Effect titles. While the game is not expected before 2030, the studio continues to grow its talent pool.
10 Best sci-fi RPGs to play in 2026
This list highlights the top 10 science fiction RPGs to play, focusing on strong world-building and classic sci-fi themes. Games like Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Cyberpunk 2077, and Starfield are featured for their immersive narratives and futuristic settings.
Surprise: The studio making Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic is full of former BioWare devs
Arcanaut Studios, the developer behind the upcoming Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, is heavily staffed by former BioWare employees, including key figures from the original Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect series. Casey Hudson, who led development on the original KotOR, is CEO and game director at Arcanaut. The studio's leadership team features numerous individuals with extensive BioWare histories, suggesting a strong focus on recapturing the spirit of those beloved RPGs.
