James Ohlen
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Baldur's Gate 4 should just be an "oversized expansion pack for Baldur's Gate 3," BioWare veteran says: "Get Larian to agree to license out the Divinity Engine"
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah suggests that Baldur's Gate 4 should be developed as an 'oversized expansion pack' for Baldur's Gate 3, proposing that Larian Studios license out its Divinity Engine. However, Larian CEO Swen Vincke has stated the studio is moving on from the Baldur's Gate series. Hasbro is reportedly exploring options for Baldur's Gate 4 with other developers.
Hasbro should stop looking for a Baldur's Gate 4 studio and take a leaf out of Larian's book by trying…
This opinion piece argues that Hasbro should not pursue a Baldur's Gate 4 and instead take inspiration from Larian Studios' approach to game development. The author suggests that the immense success and unique development path of Baldur's Gate 3 make it nearly impossible for any studio to replicate its quality or meet player expectations for a sequel. Instead, Hasbro should focus on nurturing talent and developing new IPs within the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse.
Baldur's Gate 2-veteran tackade nej till att göra Baldur's Gate 4
James Ohlen, a veteran designer of Baldur's Gate 2, declined an offer from Hasbro to lead the development of Baldur's Gate 4. Ohlen cited concerns about failing to meet the high standards set by Baldur's Gate 3 and the significant time investment required for engine development. Larian Studios, the developer of Baldur's Gate 3, also chose to pursue their own original projects instead of a direct sequel.
Baldur's Gate 4 could've been headed by a Baldur's Gate 2 veteran, but the RPG legend "wouldn't want to compete" against Larian: "That would be insanity"
James Ohlen, director of writing and design for Baldur's Gate 2, revealed that Hasbro approached him about developing Baldur's Gate 4. However, Ohlen declined, stating he would not want to compete with the success of Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 and its proprietary engine. He believes a new entry would need to be highly original to succeed, acknowledging Larian's mastery in the RPG genre.
"I would fail, and here's why I would fail" Why Baldur's Gate 2 co-lead turned down Hasbro's request to make Baldur's Gate 4
James Ohlen, co-lead designer of Baldur's Gate 2 and lead at Archetype Entertainment, declined Hasbro's request to develop Baldur's Gate 4. Ohlen cited the immense success of Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 and the technical challenges of replicating its engine and tools as reasons for his refusal, preferring to focus on his studio's upcoming game, Exodus.
"We're talking about at least half a decade of horror": former Exodus lead explains why he wasn't keen on doing a Baldur's Gate 4 despite Hasbro offering the chance
Former Archetype Entertainment studio head James Ohlen explained his reluctance to develop Baldur's Gate 4, citing the immense pressure to match Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3. Ohlen stated that building the necessary tools and infrastructure from scratch would take at least five years and expressed concerns about competing with the high standard set by the previous game. He has since left Archetype due to burnout.
Baldur's Gate 2's co-lead designer was asked to make Baldur's Gate 4 after Larian declined: 'Having to compete against Baldur's Gate 3? That would be insanity'
Following the success of Baldur's Gate 3, Hasbro sought a sequel, but Larian Studios declined to develop Baldur's Gate 4, despite having a partially playable build. Co-lead designer of Baldur's Gate 2, James Ohlen, was also approached but refused, citing the difficulty of competing with Larian's acclaimed title and the significant effort required to build a new engine. A remaster of Baldur's Gate 2 is reportedly in development, with former BG2 lead designer Kevin Martens involved.
Archetype Entertainment founder and BioWare veteran wishes Exodus didn't look so much like Mass Effect
James Ohlen, founder of Archetype Entertainment and BioWare veteran, expressed regret that his studio's upcoming game, Exodus, bears a strong visual resemblance to Mass Effect. While acknowledging Mass Effect's influence, Ohlen hopes the team can further differentiate Exodus's look and highlight unique elements like the 'Awakened' intelligent animals and a time dilation mechanic.
Exodus: Everything you need to know about the sci-fi RPG from former Mass Effect devs
Exodus is a new sci-fi RPG from Archetype Entertainment, a studio founded by former BioWare developers. The game is set 40,000 years in the future and features a choice-driven narrative with a time dilation mechanic. It is scheduled for release in Early 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Exodus narrative director dives into its inspirations from Interstellar to Star Wars to, yes, Mass Effect
Exodus narrative director Drew Karpyshyn discussed the game's diverse inspirations, ranging from classic sci-fi films like Star Wars and Interstellar to the Star Trek experience and the Dune novels. While Mass Effect is a natural comparison due to shared BioWare DNA, Karpyshyn emphasized that Exodus builds its own unique universe, with time dilation from Interstellar being a particularly strong narrative influence. Matthew McConaughey voices the mysterious character C.C. Orlev.
Exodus Looks a Lot Like a Spiritual Successor to Mass Effect In 20-Minute Gameplay Demo
Archetype Entertainment has revealed a 20-minute gameplay demo for their upcoming sci-fi RPG, Exodus, developed by former Mass Effect creators. The demo showcases third-person combat, party member interactions, and narrative elements, highlighting unique mechanics like time dilation. Exodus is slated for an early 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The Daily Grind: What was the biggest missed opportunity for your MMO’s development?
Former Star Wars: The Old Republic lead designer James Ohlen revealed he proposed a top-down redesign to make the MMORPG more like Knights of the Old Republic, but EA's board rejected the idea. This article discusses significant missed opportunities in the development of the MMORPG genre, inviting reader contributions on potential redesigns, course corrections, or hiring decisions that could have altered outcomes.
The Mass Effect sci-fi RPG subgenre "hasn't had a good game in a long time", says Hasbro, and it believes Exodus can change that
Hasbro's CEO Chris Cocks believes the science fiction RPG genre, exemplified by Mass Effect, has been lacking a strong entry for a long time. He is confident that Exodus, developed by Archetype Entertainment and featuring former BioWare talent, will fill this market gap. The game is slated for an early 2027 release and aims to recapture the feel of beloved sci-fi RPGs.
A former SWTOR lead once proposed a top-down revamp that was shot down by EA
Former Star Wars: The Old Republic lead designer James Ohlen proposed a significant reboot of the MMORPG, titled Star Wars: The New Republic, which would have shifted the game's timeline. The proposal was ultimately rejected by Electronic Arts' board of directors, who were hesitant to invest further after the initial $300 million development cost.
Star Wars: The Old Republic lead told BioWare bosses "I hate massive multiplayer games" before agreeing to run the MMO and becoming a "highly paid, completely useless person"
James Ohlen, a lead developer at BioWare, revealed he disliked massively multiplayer online games but was tasked with directing Star Wars: The Old Republic. He previously worked on other BioWare titles like Baldur's Gate and Mass Effect.
Morning Interviews
Studio head James Ohlen discusses his departure from the sci-fi RPG Exodus mid-development, citing EA's handling of his Star Wars: The Old Republic reboot at BioWare as a significant factor. He describes the experience as the 'beginning of the end' for his time at the studio.
Star Wars: The Old Republic's original director hadn't played a single MMO before launching its development studio: 'How the hell did they trust me with this much money?'
James Ohlen, the original director of BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic, revealed he had no prior MMO experience when development began. He discussed regrets about the game's launch content and a denied proposal to rename it Star Wars: The New Republic.
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.
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.
