The recent news surrounding BioWare has prompted widespread reflection on the studio's legacy, with figures across the gaming landscape sharing memories and lamenting its perceived decline. Among those paying tribute is award-winning science fiction and fantasy author N.K. Jemisin.
Jemisin took to Bluesky to express her admiration for BioWare's contributions, stating, "The [Mass Effect] and [Dragon Age] games were a literal inspiration, and I can't count how many times I've replayed my faves." She specifically cited the impact of the games, noting, "I made lifelong friends on ME3 Multiplayer." Jemisin also highlighted key creative talent, calling Jennifer Hepler, a writer instrumental in shaping the dwarf origin stories and culture in Dragon Age: Origins, "the best game writer I've seen," and voice actor Jennifer Hale, known for her iconic roles as female Commander Shepard and many others, "the best VA."
However, Jemisin also offered a sharp critique of the broader gaming industry's current trajectory. "Watching what's happening to the game industry [right now] is so frustrating," she wrote. "It was the goose that laid the golden eggs, guys. All you had to do was not kill it." She pointed to the escalating costs and demands for bigger returns on increasingly expensive games, which often result in widespread layoffs when projects falter. Jemisin observed that these consequences rarely seem to affect executives, a pattern she finds telling.
Her comments echo sentiments expressed by others in the industry, including CD Projekt Red and game design veteran Warren Spector, who have also recently reflected on BioWare's storied past and the challenges facing game development today. The studio, acquired by EA in 2007, was once a dominant force in RPGs, responsible for beloved franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.