Casey Hudson
Reporting and statements that mention Casey Hudson.
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Mass Effect 5 was Journey composer's "biggest dream project," and he was in "serious discussions" with BioWare to handle the soundtrack – here's 20 minutes of music he composed for the RPG
Legendary composer Austin Wintory, known for his work on Journey, has shared 20 minutes of music he composed as early drafts for the canceled Mass Effect 5. Wintory described working on the game as his "biggest dream project" and had been in serious discussions with BioWare to handle the soundtrack. The music blends synths and orchestral sounds, aiming to build upon the original Mass Effect score.
The Fall of Mass Effect – Where Did It All Go Wrong?
This article analyzes the decline of the Mass Effect franchise, attributing its downfall to BioWare's closure and Electronic Arts' business interests overriding creative vision. Despite the success of the Legendary Edition and promising early development on a new title, the project was ultimately cancelled, leaving the future of the series uncertain.
"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.
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.
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.
"Sexy sorceresses" and "bare-chested fighters": Dragon Age's original artists wanted to base it on Conan the Barbarian, much to the outrage of the designers
Former BioWare lead writer David Gaider discusses the internal conflicts during the development of Dragon Age: Origins, where art and design teams clashed over whether to draw inspiration from Conan the Barbarian or Lord of the Rings. He explains how the lack of a singular vision led to significant overcorrection between sequels, contrasting it with the more cohesive development of Mass Effect under Casey Hudson.
Star Wars Games Could Get More Interesting As Lucasfilm Looks Beyond The Big Studios
Lucasfilm Games is looking to partner with smaller, independent studios to create a wider variety of Star Wars titles beyond traditional AAA releases. VP Douglas Reilly stated that the strategy involves finding the best partners for specific experiences, not just major publishers, highlighting recent successes like Star Wars Zero Company and Star Wars Galactic Racer. This approach aims to explore diverse genres and fulfill various player fantasies within the Star Wars universe.
We've had two great Star Wars games this year, probably because Lucasfilm Games says it's now "more flexible" about who it takes pitches from
Lucasfilm Games is adopting a more flexible approach to licensing Star Wars game development, moving away from exclusive deals with single publishers. This change allows independent studios like Fuse Games and Secret Mode to pitch ideas, leading to a more diverse range of games such as the recently released "Zero Company" and "Galactic Racer."
New ‘more flexible’ Star Wars games to be released after Galactic Racer success
Lucasfilm Games is adopting a more flexible approach to partnerships, seeking out smaller studios for unique Star Wars titles alongside major AAA releases. Recent successes like Galactic Racer and Zero Company have validated this strategy, encouraging the company to explore diverse genres and pitches from a wider range of developers.
Star Wars Jedi 3 to be revealed this year and launch in 2027 claims insider
An insider known as FivesWalker claims that the sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, tentatively referred to as Star Wars Jedi 3, will be revealed before The Game Awards in December 2026 and launch in 2027. While the Star Wars franchise has faced challenges in film and TV, its video game arm, including titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Star Wars Outlaws, is performing strongly. The third installment is expected to conclude the Jedi trilogy, though director Stig Asmussen will not return.
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.
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.
Leadership lessons from Mark Darrah’s days at BioWare
Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah shares leadership and game development lessons on his YouTube channel, drawing from his experience, particularly with the troubled production of Anthem. He discusses communication breakdowns and the importance of a unified vision in game development.
Star Wars Eclipse is in “Development Hell,” Quantic Dream Want to Exit NetEase – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Quantic Dream's Star Wars Eclipse is in "development hell" and the studio wishes to divest from NetEase. The project has reportedly faced significant issues, compounded by the shutdown of their previous game, Spellcasters Chronicles. Quantic Dream is also undergoing an internal reorganization that may lead to layoffs.
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.
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.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic Won’t be 200 Hours Long or Use Generative AI
Casey Hudson, director of Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, stated the upcoming RPG will not be excessively long, aiming for completion rather than hundreds of hours of gameplay. He also confirmed the game will not utilize generative AI, which he described as "creatively soulless." The project is being funded by Simon Zhu's GreaterThan Group, which has raised $40 million and secured commitments for nearly $60 million more, with a goal of publishing innovative projects.
AI is 'creatively soulless,' says director of Mass Effect and Knights of the Old Republic: 'I’m just really unimpressed with it'
Casey Hudson, director of Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect, expressed skepticism about the creative potential of AI in game development, calling it 'creatively soulless.' He believes generative AI tools are not significantly helpful in the development process. This contrasts with views from Sony Interactive Entertainment and Neowiz, who see AI as a tool for future gaming experiences.
