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As EA kills Mass Effect 5, BioWare co-founder slams "weird belief" you can "recreate great games with random people and AI" – "It doesn't work"
Following the cancellation of Mass Effect 5 and layoffs at BioWare, co-founder Greg Zeschuk criticized the industry's reliance on executives who lack game development experience and a "weird belief" in recreating games with AI. The article highlights concerns about morale at Electronic Arts amid ongoing layoffs and the publisher's embrace of AI tools.
BioWare co-founder says EA's Saudi Arabia buyout was "the final nail in the coffin" for the RPG studio: "It's easier just to pump out sports games"
BioWare co-founder Ray Zeschuk believes Electronic Arts' acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was the final blow to the RPG studio, citing concerns over human rights and potential policing of game content. Zeschuk suggests EA will now prioritize sports titles and Battlefield over complex RPGs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
223,000+ people sign petition to "save Mass Effect"
Over 223,000 people have signed a Change.org petition urging Electronic Arts to commit to the continued development of the Mass Effect franchise. The petition was started in response to EA's announcement of closing BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and cancelling the next Mass Effect project. The petitioners suggest EA either properly fund and staff the franchise or license the intellectual property to another studio.
'Save Mass Effect' petition hits over 180,000 signatures within days of BioWare's closure
A petition to save the Mass Effect series has garnered over 180,000 signatures following the reported closure of BioWare and cancellation of Mass Effect 5. The petition urges Electronic Arts to commit to the series' continued development or license the IP to another studio. Fans express deep disappointment and a strong desire for the franchise's survival.
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.
Mass Effect Amazon TV show remains in development despite BioWare shutting down
Despite the sudden closure of BioWare, Amazon's Prime Video series based on the Mass Effect franchise remains in active development. Showrunner Doug Jung and writer Daniel Casey are reportedly still attached to the project, which will explore a new story set after the original trilogy and will not retread Commander Shepard's narrative. This news comes as BioWare was shuttered by EA and a new Mass Effect game was canceled.
"Development on the next Mass Effect is ending": EA is shutting down RPG veteran Bioware "to align talent and investments where we see the greatest opportunities for players and long-term growth"
Bioware, the veteran RPG studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, is shutting down after over 30 years, with development on the next Mass Effect project also ending. Electronic Arts cited a need to align talent and investments for long-term growth, leading to 400 layoffs across EA, including 50 at Bioware. This closure follows concerns about the high cost and long production times of Bioware's large-scale games and comes after EA's recent leveraged buyout.
The next Mass Effect would have had 'a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has been able to…
A former cinematic supervisor at BioWare, Tony de Waal, has spoken about the ambitious plans for the now-canceled Mass Effect 4, which aimed for unprecedented player autonomy. The studio's closure, part of a restructuring at EA following its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's PIF, has led to layoffs and a shift towards live service games, leaving many talented developers seeking new employment.
EA Kills BioWare, Cancels New Mass Effect, Pauses New Sims Game, And All The Other Big EA News That Just Happened
Electronic Arts has confirmed significant layoffs impacting approximately 400 employees and has canceled the next Mass Effect game, leading to the closure of the BioWare studio. Additionally, a new Sims game has been paused, and the Skate title is being scaled back. These changes follow EA's recent $55 billion leveraged buyout by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with the company aiming to reduce costs and streamline development.
RIP BioWare: EA has shut down the legendary RPG developer
Electronic Arts has shut down the legendary RPG developer BioWare, founded in 1995 and known for the Baldur's Gate, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age series. The closure follows a recent acquisition of EA by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and comes amid broader layoffs at EA. Plans for a new Mass Effect game have also been cancelled.
EA cancels new Mass Effect, closes BioWare after being bought by Saudi Arabia
Electronic Arts studio BioWare is closing down after 30 years, with early development on the next Mass Effect project also ending. The closure follows EA's acquisition by private investors led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, sparking concerns about layoffs and studio shutdowns.
EA is bringing back boxing series Fight Night after 15 years
Electronic Arts has announced the return of its boxing game series, Fight Night, after a 15-year hiatus. The announcement was made via a new social media account for the franchise, sparking excitement among fans. While details are scarce, the return is speculated to be linked to EA's recent acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which has heavily invested in combat sports.
Electronic Arts' leveraged buyout faces a bondholder battle
Electronic Arts is facing a dispute with bondholders following its recent leveraged buyout by a consortium including the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The significant debt taken on for the acquisition may weaken EA's credit profile, prompting some bondholders to demand repayment exceeding 101 percent of the principal.
Disney Responds To Rumor That It Could Buy Fortnite Studio Epic Games
Disney executive Dana Walden addressed rumors of a potential acquisition of Epic Games, stating that such conversations are not currently happening, despite Disney's existing $1.5 billion investment in the Fortnite studio. While a full buyout is not on the table, Disney and Epic are deepening their partnership with new game integrations and experiences planned.
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.
Pokémon Go and EA FC could be "under one roof", as EA and Saudi-owned Savvy Games Group reportedly considering merger
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts (EA) with its subsidiary Savvy Games Group to improve asset coordination. This potential merger follows EA's recent $55 billion acquisition by the PIF. Savvy Games Group already owns companies like Scopely and ESL, and has partial stakes in Capcom and Nintendo.
Saudi Arabian fund is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with its Savvy Games Group to improve coordination between its assets. This potential merger, which is not finalized and awaits the completion of Moonton acquisition, could significantly boost EA's mobile gaming efforts. The article expresses concern over the PIF's growing influence in the gaming industry, citing past deals and their ripple effects.
EA's Saudi Arabian owners are reportedly considering forming an ubermegacorp by merging them with Savvy Games
Following the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts, the PIF is reportedly considering merging EA with its existing firm, Savvy Games Group. This potential 'ubermegacorp' aims to better coordinate the PIF's gaming investments, though no decision has been made. Concerns exist regarding potential layoffs and the influence of the Saudi government's human rights record on creative decisions.
Saudi Arabia's PIF reportedly considering to combine EA with Savvy Games Group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts (EA) with its subsidiary, Savvy Games Group, to improve coordination between its assets. This potential merger is unlikely to proceed until Savvy completes its $6 billion acquisition of Moonton. EA's acquisition by the PIF was finalized last month, with assurances that creative control and player-first values would remain intact.
Saudi Arabia investors are considering merging EA with Savvy Games
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games, following its recent acquisition of EA. This potential merger is unlikely to proceed until Savvy Games completes its $6 billion acquisition of Moonton. If realized, the merger would bring together titles like Battlefield, Pokemon Go, and Apex Legends under a single entity.
