Developer BioWare is primarily known for its large story-driven role-playing games. In the shared-world shooter Anthem, not only the story matters for fans, but apparently also the gameplay. BioWare finds this “refreshing.”
Previously: Anthem is a balancing act between multiplayer and story. BioWare has emphasized this repeatedly in the past. The developer is responsible for well-known titles like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur’s Gate, whose main feature is the story and potential decisions that can be made.
In the lead-up to these titles, fans mainly focused their questions on plot and story details, while gameplay often took a backseat. This seems to be different with Anthem. And BioWare seems to appreciate that.
For a change, it’s about gameplay – BioWare likes that
At BioWare, it seems they are currently enjoying the fact that the questions about Anthem revolve not only around the potential story and characters.
According to Creative Director Jonathan Warner, other aspects are now more interesting and they are pleased to talk about them.
It’s very refreshing and invigorating. Normally, when we talk about Mass Effect or Dragon Age, people are absolutely focused on the plot, […] when people talk about Anthem, they talk about flying, fighting monsters, or the gear, the Javelins, and for us, it’s a great opportunity to put gameplay first.
What does this mean for the story? Telling stories and creating a believable world is still important for BioWare and will also play a role in Anthem.
There will still be strong characters, and everyone is the hero of their own story.
Anthem’s story is still a constant topic
Although BioWare clearly enjoys discussing other topics, the story is still frequently addressed.
- At PAX East in early September, it was recently explained how Anthem wants to be an online game with a BioWare story.
- In a blog post, BioWare elaborates on the “Our World, My Story” principle, which separates action from story.
- A major topic was the dialogues, which will offer two options as responses and left fans skeptical.
- Anthem aims to become the Netflix of video games, and events are intended to continuously expand the story.
Even if fans want to discuss gameplay, it is clear that BioWare also wants to bring fans from the RPG era into the online future.
