What BioWare's Closure Means for RPG Fans and the Industry
The closure of BioWare marks the end of a legendary RPG studio, leaving fans without a chance for redemption after Mass Effect Andromeda and raising concerns about how business-focused executives are…
The closure of BioWare marks the end of a legendary RPG studio, leaving fans without a chance for redemption after Mass Effect Andromeda and raising concerns about how business-focused executives are…
Key points - BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk said he went through his emotional goodbye to the studio back in 2012. - The studio closure resulted in 50 job losses as part of 400 cuts across the company. - Mass Effect 5 was cancelled; a leaked trailer revealed it was titled Mass Effect: Universe. - Zeschuk called the Saudi Public Investment Fund's $55 billion EA buyout 'the final nail in the coffin.' - He criticized executives without game-development experience for not understanding how games are made.
Timeline - 2012: Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka depart BioWare several months after Mass Effect 3 launches. - Last week: BioWare closes, 50 jobs lost as part of 400 cuts, and Mass Effect 5 is cancelled. - Recently: Zeschuk speaks to 80 Level about the closure and the EA buyout.
FAQ
Q: Why did BioWare close? A: According to Greg Zeschuk, the Saudi Public Investment Fund's $55 billion buyout of EA was 'the final nail in the coffin,' making it harder for a studio known for complex, long-development games to fit the new business model.
Q: What was Mass Effect 5 going to be called? A: A leaked internal trailer revealed that Mass Effect 5 was titled Mass Effect: Universe. The game has now been cancelled.
Q: How many jobs were lost in the closure? A: 50 jobs were lost at BioWare as part of 400 cuts across the company.
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