Drew Karpyshyn, former BioWare writer and contributor to some of the studio's biggest games, recently opened up in a blog post about his departure. Simply put, his words were harsh and revealing about the studio's changing culture in his time, at least as he saw it. "We were less able to make what he loved," Karpyshyn said, "and the teams were pushed to create games based on market research rather than our creative instincts and passions."
You can read more of his post below in which Karpyshyn has more to say about the tragically sinking culture at BioWare. He also talks about his new project at Archetype, a studio founded by other former BioWare employees.
"I’ve been in the video game industry for twenty years now. When I started at BioWare, everything was fresh and exciting. It was a dream job – talented people working together to create epic games like Baldur’s Gate, KOTOR, Mass Effect and Dragon Age. But as we grew and became more successful, things changed. We became more corporate. We were less able to make what we loved, and the teams were pushed to create games based on market research rather than our creative instincts and passions. My dream job became just a job, and I lost the enthusiasm and excitement I once had.
But with Archetype, my passion has been rekindled. The feel in the studio reminds me of my early days at BioWare; I can feel the magic in the air. And even though I can’t get too deep into the specifics of what we’re working on yet,we’re already generating plenty of excitement in the industry.
I know we have big shoes to fill. With BioWare, I was part of a legacy that will endure forever. We created some of the most beloved CRPGs of the past two decades.
But I truly believe at Archetype we have the talent and the opportunity to do something just as amazing!"
Not much is known about Archetype just yet other than what Karpyshyn writes here himself. We know it's a science fiction RPG, at least, so the project seems to have found the right person to help pen such a story.
As for BioWare, the studio is currently in the middle of a massive Anthem overhaul.
