The legendary BioWare Studio is going through one of its most critical moments, with a team that has been reduced to less than 100 employees, in an attempt to electronic limbs for the regulation of the study structure
The principle of the end of the BioWare?
Despite having received Good reviews and a positive reception from the players, Dragon Age: The Veilgard He only managed to sell 1.5 million copiesA number well below the expectations of EA. This would have been the trigger for the renovation of the study, which is now only focused on the next title of the saga Mass effect.
In an official declaration, Patrick Weekshead of the screenwriters Dragon Age: The VeilgardHe expressed his sadness after his departure:
“It was a privilege to work with so many incredible developers during my 20 years in BioWare and I will always treasure the memories of the wonderful community that I met along the way.”
On the other hand, BioWare tried to justify the layoffs and the drastic reduction of the study in an official declaration published by January 30th:
“Given the current state of the development of [Mass Effect 5]We do not need the full support of the study. We have an incredible talent in BioWare and we have worked diligently in recent months to combine many of our classmates with other teams and who had adequate open roles. Today’s news will make BioWare a more agile study and focused on the production of unforgettable role -playing games.
A study that made history
Founded 1995 Of Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk Y Augustine Yip, Bioware He started his career with the Wick Simulator Crushed steel. However, his final leap to celebrity came with the saga Baldur’s Gatelaunched in 1998who positioned him as one of the great representatives of the western role -playing game.
Since then, the study has left its mark on the genre with titles such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republicforgotten but brilliant Jade empireand the acclaimed series Mass effect.
However, from Bankruptcy of theBioware has lost relevance, suffering from layoffs, cancellations and an identity crisis that fueled the worst to his followers.
A giant in decline
The fall of Bioware Not only does it affect the study, but also its most emblematic sagas. With such a small team, the development of Mass Effect 5 it could be compromised and the same goes for Dragon AgeA franchise that was fundamental in the history of role -playing game.
Among the great contacts of the genre, Biware has always distinguished himself for his ability to create Living worlds, complex characters and enveloping narratives. However, in recent years, studies like Larian Studios with Baldur’s Gate 3 They have shown that ambitious role games can be developed without compromising quality. The comparison is inevitable: while Larian has been acclaimed for his meticulous attention to detail, BioWare suffered delays, cancellations and a clear creative crisis.
The future of Mass Effect and Dragon Age
The big question is now: What will happen to study? With a team reduced to its minimum expression, the future of the study depends completely on the success of his next title of Mass effectAlso It does not have a launch date.
For Dragon AgeHis future seems even more uncertain. Despite mass layoffs, and he assured him The guard of the veil will continue to receive support, but with the team of screenwriter and the study at the most fragile momentThe saga could be in danger.
With less and less weight within EA and after years of crisis, the study must face his definitive proof. If Mass Effect 5 cannot revive the glory of the study, we could attend the final chapter of one of the most influential developers of video games.