BioWare Co-Founder Speaks Out on Studio Closure, Mass Effect Cancellation

BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk expressed his emotions following the closure of the studio last week, which resulted in 50 job losses as part of 400 cuts across the company. He and fellow co-founder Ray Muzyka left the company on their own terms in 2012, several months after the launch of Mass Effect 3. Zeschuk reflected on his past experiences, stating, "I’ve kind of gone through all the emotions like long, long ago," and added that he is now focused on other ventures, such as his beer brewing business, which is thriving.

Zeschuk shared his thoughts on the closure of BioWare, emphasizing the sadness it brings, particularly to the city of Edmonton where the studio originated. He lamented that the studio was seen as a beacon of hope and possibility in a place not typically known for its accomplishments in that regard. Regarding the recent $55 million private buyout of Electronic Arts (EA) by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Zeschuk noted that it was the final blow to the once successful studio, stating, "I think it was the crux of it in a sense.

Once again it’s a completely different company now... BioWare makes these kind of unusual games that take a long time and they’re complicated and so it’s easier just to pump out sports games every year and that’s a better business model in some ways."

Zeschuk also criticized executives without any game-development experience owning and running game development studios, asserting that such individuals are unlikely to understand the intricacies of game creation. He argued that the key to a successful game lies in the genuine passion and experience of those involved in its development. The closure of BioWare and the cancellation of Mass Effect 5 have elicited strong public reactions, with many expressing their disappointment and sadness.