BioWare, the storied RPG developer, recently caught the attention of gaming communities across the world when they announced a downsizing, eliminating 50 roles from their roster. The studio, which has seen its fair share of problematic launches in recent years, has become the talk of the town with its latest statement.
In an effort to align with what BioWare’s general manager, Gary McKay, termed to be a “more agile and more focused” approach, this step has been branded as a necessity. The team, he says, aims to ensure that BioWare continues to be a cornerstone in an industry undergoing swift changes, “shifting towards a studio that will allow our developers to iterate quickly, unlock more creativity, and form a clear vision of our projects.”
Indeed, the gaming industry is no stranger to evolution. New platforms, fresh narratives, and innovation in gameplay mechanics are constantly pushing studios to adapt or face the risk of becoming obsolete. But at what cost does this adaptation come? For fifty developers at BioWare, it means bidding farewell to the studio that has been their creative home.
An update from BioWare studio GM Gary McKay: https://t.co/bTVNnnu8Et pic.twitter.com/QTdD1wvBmg
— BioWare (@bioware) August 23, 2023
But, is it just about being agile? Or is there a deeper story here? The announcement closely follows the decision by the studio’s owners, Electronic Arts, to outsource BioWare’s long-standing MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic, handing its reins over to Broadsword. Additionally, EA’s decision to cut ties with Keywords, an in-house contracting company whose employees recently unionized, raised eyebrows.
James Russwurm, an associate from Keywords, expressed a sentiment shared by many, viewing the move as part of the company’s latest cost-cutting measure, which doesn’t line up with its recent announcement of a $400 million quarterly profit, a staggering 30% hike from the prior year, complicating the picture.
The challenges faced by BioWare aren’t unique. The broader industry has grappled with balancing game development costs and revenue models. While the past decade has seen a boom in live-service games, spearheaded by EA’s emphasis on this business model, not all studios have been able to capitalize on it. The Dragon Age: Dreadwolf project serves as a poignant example.
Initially envisioned to have multiplayer live-service elements, it has since been pivoted to a more traditional single-player RPG, amid delays and leadership shake-ups.
However, despite the apparent tumultuous journey, McKay’s words offer solace to Dragon Age enthusiasts, saying:
Our dedication to the game has never wavered. Our commitment remains steadfast. We are confident that Dreadwolf will reach its full potential.”
Unfortunately, all this revelation has done is remind everyone of the studio’s golden days when it had the ambition and creativity to create, among other projects, the likes of Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and of course, who could forget the legendary Mass Effect trilogy as well as Dragon Age: Origins?
BioWare’s name still carries a lot of weight within the video game industry, but perhaps it is true that its luster has long gone.
From Anthem’s rocky journey to the mixed reception of Dragon Age: Inquisition and the tepid response to Andromeda, the BioWare of yesteryears seemed adrift, with Mass Effect: Legendary Edition being its only hit in the past decade.
To make matters worse, part of the significant blow to the team is the departure of senior staff writers, including Mary Kirby, who played pivotal roles in developing Dragon Age narratives. Such exits undoubtedly fan the flames of doubt among the gaming community.
Thus, the worries. If BioWare isn’t in the best state, how can we expect it to create the “best” game? Fan expectations are high for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and stratospheric for Mass Effect 4. With Baldur’s Gate 3 and Starfield both coming out within months from each other, it’s hard not to want for something that BioWare could’ve done in an ideal world, with the former feeling a lot like what the future sequels of Dragon Age: Origins could’ve been had the studio doubled down on what made it so good.
Yet, amidst the turbulence, there is hope. For every argument highlighting BioWare’s alleged inefficiencies or EA’s said emphasis on profitability, the studio’s capacity for innovation remains unquestioned. This restructuring, although quite painful, could be the much-needed catalyst that propels BioWare back into the echelons of game development.
Only time will determine the trajectory BioWare takes. Will they rekindle their old flame, delivering titles that resonate deeply with players? Or will they be remembered as a relic of a bygone era?
