Fears that we’re seeing the reprisal of EA hegemony that steamrolled studios like Bullfrog and Westwood are apparently greatly exaggerated. It turns out that the recent missteps of one of the most celebrated studios in the industry, the Hallowed Redeemer of the Western RPG if you will, have been self-inflicted, at least according to co-founder Greg Zeschuck.
The Role of EA in BioWare’s Decisions
“We’re not being forced to do anything or told to do anything. We make the decisions. We take input. It’s just funny when people say that, because it’s not actually remotely true. At the end of the day, we’re responsible for the quality of the content and games we release, and we’re committed to try and always take feedback really seriously from our fans and be humble about how we take it – use it to make the next games better,” Ray Muzyka chimed in. “You’re only as good as your next game, and that’s the way we’ve always felt.” We assume he meant “last game” there. Either that, or we just found the explanation for Dragon Age 2.
This statement from Muzyka highlights the autonomy that BioWare maintains despite being under the EA umbrella. It dispels the myth that EA’s influence is the primary cause of any perceived decline in the quality of BioWare’s games. Instead, it suggests that the studio’s own decisions and creative processes are at the forefront of their successes and failures.
Understanding BioWare’s Creative Process
BioWare has long been revered for its storytelling prowess and deep, immersive RPG experiences. Games like “Mass Effect” and “Dragon Age” have set high standards in the industry. However, recent titles have faced criticism for not living up to the legacy of their predecessors. This has led to speculation that EA’s corporate strategies might be interfering with BioWare’s creative vision.
However, Muzyka’s comments indicate that BioWare’s leadership is fully aware of the feedback from their fanbase and is committed to improving their future projects. This level of self-awareness and willingness to adapt is crucial for any studio aiming to maintain its reputation in a highly competitive industry.
For instance, the mixed reception of “Mass Effect: Andromeda” and “Anthem” has been a learning experience for BioWare. The studio has acknowledged the issues and has been working on addressing them in their upcoming projects. This includes taking a more iterative approach to game development, where fan feedback is continuously integrated into the development cycle.
Moreover, BioWare’s commitment to quality is evident in their decision to delay the release of “Dragon Age 4” to ensure it meets the high standards expected by their fans. This move demonstrates that the studio prioritizes the quality of their games over meeting strict release schedules, which is often a point of contention in the industry.
In conclusion, while EA’s influence on BioWare cannot be entirely dismissed, it is clear that the studio retains significant control over its creative decisions. The recent missteps are more a reflection of the challenges inherent in game development rather than external pressures from their parent company. BioWare’s leadership is committed to learning from their experiences and delivering games that resonate with their audience. As fans, we can look forward to seeing how they evolve and continue to shape the landscape of Western RPGs.
Source Eurogamer
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