The gaming industry is mourning the sudden closure of BioWare, with former employees and peers from other studios sharing their sympathies for those impacted and reflecting on the influential RPG developer's legacy. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from those whose careers were shaped by the studio, as well as from fans who cherished its iconic storytelling.
David Gaider, former lead writer for Dragon Age, expressed sadness at the news, noting that while it might not have been entirely unexpected given the current industry climate and EA's acquisition by a Saudi consortium, it still marked the end of an era. He stated that BioWare joins other great studios of the past with a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. James Ohlen, lead designer for Knights of the Old Republic and Dragon Age, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the talent of the affected employees and encouraging other studios to hire them. He also expressed gratitude for his 22 years at the company, which he said made him the man he is.
Casey Hudson, former general manager and boss of Mass Effect, shared his personal gratitude to BioWare's founders for allowing him to join its journey. He emphasized that the studio's legacy will live on through its former staff and their continued passion for creating unforgettable stories, worlds, and characters. However, Mark Darrah, former executive producer for Dragon Age and Anthem, pointed out that EA retains ownership of all BioWare IPs, including Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and Jade Empire. He speculated that with no one currently working on BioWare games within EA, the company might consider selling off these intellectual properties or burying them.
Other notable figures shared their reflections. Trick Weekes, a former narrative designer on Mass Effect and Dragon Age, posted a video from Mass Effect 3's Citadel DLC, while actor Mark Meer, the voice of male Commander Shepard, extended his condolences. Michael Gamble, project director on the now-cancelled Mass Effect 5, thanked supporters for their contributions during his 17 years at the company.
Beyond BioWare's alumni, developers from other major studios also weighed in. Sven Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios, expressed his shock, recalling how BioWare led the way in making RPGs popular. He found it almost unimaginable that the name BioWare would no longer be part of discussions about upcoming RPGs. Michał Nowakowski, co-studio head at CD Projekt Red, detailed BioWare's significant role in CDPR's history, including assistance with localizing and distributing the Baldur's Gate games and lending their engine for The Witcher 1. He expressed sadness for the affected individuals and the loss of a legendary brand.
Paweł Sasko, associate director for the Cyberpunk sequel at CD Projekt, shared how BioWare's games, particularly Baldur's Gate 1 and 2, ignited his passion for game development. Dave Gilbert, founder of Wadjet Eye Games, lamented the closure of another studio with a significant legacy, expressing anger at how such studios are acquired and dismantled. Warren Spector, a legendary immersive sim developer, strongly condemned the closure, calling it a "travesty" and criticizing the executives involved while advocating for the workers who do the "real work."
The closure of BioWare is part of broader layoffs at EA, totaling 400 job cuts across studios including Respawn, Maxis, Full Circle, EA Motive, and Ripple Effect. These changes follow EA's recent acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Eurogamer extends its best wishes to all those affected by the layoffs.