Anthem
News, coverage and analysis tracking Anthem across the outlets.
Latest coverage
'Morale has been terrible' at EA, workers claim, saying that AI mandates and mismanagement have left the company 'a cold dead place that's slowly decaying as leadership pilfers every last cent'
Employees at Electronic Arts have reported extremely low morale, citing mismanagement, mandates to work on unsuccessful live service games, and the push towards generative AI. Sources claim leadership is detached, with executive pay remaining high while development teams face layoffs and difficult working conditions. The article highlights specific issues at BioWare and the perceived disconnect between executive decisions and the reality on the ground.
Games Inbox: What is the best game of 2026 that’s not GTA 6?
This collection of reader letters discusses potential Game of the Year contenders for 2026, the possibility of Grand Theft Auto 6 having a troubled launch, and concerns about AI's impact on game development. Readers also debate Resident Evil's narrative consistency and the underutilization of Jill Valentine, while expressing a desire for improved Zelda remakes.
Games Inbox: Will Red Dead Redemption 3 be Rockstar’s next game?
Readers discuss Rockstar Games' next project, with speculation leaning towards Red Dead Redemption 3 over new IPs, despite a desire for experimentation. Other topics include the perceived high pricing of PlayStation Store digital games, the mismanagement of BioWare leading to the decline of franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, and concerns about future online security threats and the impact of piracy on the games industry.
'This is the bit where the comet hits the earth and the dinosaurs die:' Tim Sweeney revisits scathing 26-year-old eulogy for beloved studio Looking Glass
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's 2000 statement on the closure of Looking Glass Studios, which described the event as an 'economically realistic day' and criticized the studio's overhead and niche appeal, has resurfaced. While Sweeney stands by his assessment that game businesses must be profitable, industry figures have criticized his 'asshole CEO' mindset, highlighting the artistic impact of studios like Looking Glass and the often illogical reasons behind modern studio shutdowns and layoffs.
BioWare's incredible legacy will continue as long as there are RPGs
This article reflects on the significant legacy of BioWare, a studio that has profoundly influenced the RPG genre with titles like Baldur's Gate, Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age. Despite acknowledging BioWare's own missteps and the detrimental impact of corporate decisions, the author emphasizes the enduring impact of its innovative design choices, storytelling, and representation in games, suggesting its influence will persist as long as RPGs are made.
BioWare's end is a tragically familiar tale | Opinion
This opinion piece laments the decline and effective closure of BioWare, attributing its downfall to over a decade of mismanagement by Electronic Arts and the broader industry trend of chasing live service models. The author highlights the contrast between BioWare's past successes and its recent failures, arguing that private equity buyouts exacerbate these issues by prioritizing cost-cutting over creative stability.
Cancelling Mass Effect And Closing BioWare Was An Obvious Thing For EA To Do, Experts Say
Electronic Arts has confirmed the closure of BioWare and the cancellation of its upcoming Mass Effect game. Analysts suggest this drastic measure was predictable due to EA's significant debt following a leveraged buyout by Saudi Arabia's PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity. The studio's recent commercial disappointments, including Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Mass Effect: Andromeda, and Anthem, contributed to the decision.
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 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.
Farewell BioWare, you inspired so many of us, and you deserved so much better than this
BioWare, the acclaimed developer behind Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur's Gate, has been closed by Electronic Arts. The studio's closure follows a history of critical and commercial disappointments like Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, despite its significant contributions to the RPG genre. The article laments the loss of a studio that shaped industry trends and created deeply emotional experiences for players.
Ex-BioWare boss and Mass Effect director Casey Hudson says he'll 'forever be grateful' for his time at the studio: 'Its legacy will live on'
EA has announced the closure of BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, alongside layoffs affecting around 400 employees. Former BioWare director Casey Hudson expressed sadness but gratitude for the studio's legacy, highlighting its impact on unforgettable stories and characters. Other industry figures like Warren Spector reacted negatively to the closure.
Games industry mourns sudden BioWare closure - "Anyone who participated in this travesty should be ashamed"
The gaming industry is mourning the sudden closure of BioWare, a legendary RPG developer, with many former employees and industry peers sharing their sadness and reflecting on the studio's legacy. The closure, which follows significant layoffs across Electronic Arts studios including Respawn and Maxis, has drawn criticism towards EA and those involved in the decision, with many expressing anger that talented developers are left jobless.
Mass Effect's Amazon series is reportedly continuing after BioWare shutdown, which'll make an uncomfortable…
Despite the shutdown of BioWare, the Mass Effect Amazon Prime Video series is reportedly continuing and will be set after the original trilogy. The article criticizes Electronic Arts' management of BioWare, citing the cancellation of the next Mass Effect game and the middling reception of Dragon Age: The Veilguard as examples of the publisher's mismanagement.
Star Wars: The Old Republic lead writer calls out BioWare for snubbing the MMO
Star Wars: The Old Republic lead writer Caitlin Sullivan Kelly expressed disappointment that BioWare's announcement of its closure did not mention the long-running MMO. While BioWare did not include SWTOR in its list of notable franchises, the article argues it was not a snub, as SWTOR is now a Broadsword game and the list focused on franchises rather than individual titles.
Former Mass Effect and Star Wars: KOTOR boss calls BioWare closure "sad," says the studio's "legacy will live on through those who were part of it"
Mass Effect creator Casey Hudson expressed sadness over the closure of BioWare and the cancellation of the next Mass Effect game. He reflected on his time at the studio, emphasizing that its legacy will continue through its former employees and their passion for storytelling. The closure is part of broader industry layoffs, with BioWare being one of several studios impacted by recent acquisitions and financial restructuring.
Bioware Shut Down by EA With 400 More Jobs Cut
Electronic Arts is shutting down BioWare and cutting approximately 400 jobs as part of a cost-cutting measure, also canceling the next Mass Effect game. The company cited a need to align talent and investments for long-term growth, with the closure of BioWare potentially linked to recent financial pressures and past game performance.
Mass Effect 5 was aiming to offer a "level of autonomy and choice" that could vault it into orbit with Larian and CD Projekt's top RPGs, former dev says post-cancellation
Former BioWare developers have shared insights into the canceled Mass Effect 5, revealing ambitions for unprecedented player autonomy and choice that aimed to rival titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. The closure of BioWare and the cancellation of the game have led to significant job losses and disappointment among fans and developers alike.
"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.
BioWare is Shutting Down, Ending Development on Next Mass Effect
Electronic Arts has officially confirmed the closure of BioWare, with early development on the next Mass Effect game ceasing. The studio, known for its influential RPGs, has faced a string of underperforming titles including Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, and a mixed reception for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Despite its legacy, the future of its IPs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age remains uncertain.
BioWare shut down and new Mass Effect cancelled two months after EA sale
Legendary RPG developer BioWare is closing down, and early development on the next Mass Effect project has been cancelled, following Electronic Arts' sale to private investors. The closure results in approximately 50 layoffs at BioWare and 400 across EA, attributed to the significant debt incurred from the acquisition. This move marks the end of an era for a studio known for narrative-driven titles like Baldur's Gate and Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic.
