No BioWare fan probably expected this: Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah are leaving the studio and handing over Mass Effect and Dragon Age to other hands.
What was announced? On December 3rd, both Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah unexpectedly announced that they were leaving the game studio.
Both are very important figures for BioWare. Casey Hudson is the head of the studio and as Creative Director is responsible for the Mass Effect series as well as the next game. Mark Darrah, on the other hand, was the Executive Producer for the Dragon Age games.
In the meantime, Gary McKay (Senior Director of Development Operations) will take over the leadership of the studio.
Casey Hudson wrote:
I have been incredibly lucky in my career to work with brilliantly talented individuals, to create entire worlds from our imagination, and to see millions of people around the world enjoy them. And now, after almost 20 years of work at BioWare, I have made the decision to step back from the studio and make way for the next generation of studio leaders.
Casey Hudson, Head of BioWare
It is not an easy decision, and major changes like this always come with a certain degree of sadness. I will miss being able to work every day with our inspiring developers on the biggest and most exciting projects I can imagine. But I also know that this is a good time for a change, both for me and for BioWare.
Mark Darrah mentioned on BioWare’s website:
I have been at BioWare since the 90s. Since back when CRPGs were considered a dead genre. Over the last 23 years, I have witnessed video games evolve into a truly powerful medium of communication. We are an important part of so many people’s lives. And BioWare has been a part of that journey. While I still believe in the strength of BioWare and will continue to have a place in this conversation, I have decided to step back from my position at BioWare.
Mark Darrah, Executive Producer of Dragon Age
This was a very difficult decision for me. The team of amazing developers at Dragon Age makes my life more fulfilling and better. They have taught me so much. But it is also the strength of the team that makes this possible. I know that Dragon Age will not only survive without me but thrive.
What the two will do next has not yet been revealed. Mark Darrah at least said that he does not know yet.
A new Mass Effect and Dragon Age 4 are still coming
What does this mean for Mass Effect? Recently, not only was the Legendary Edition of the Mass Effect Trilogy announced as a remaster to be released in 2021, but a new part of the science fiction series is also in development. And that will remain the case. However, who will take over the role of the new Creative Director is still unclear. However, Andromeda Producer Mike Gamble is expected to take on a larger role.
What does this mean for Dragon Age? Work is also continuing on the next part of the Dragon Age series. Christian Dailey, who Darrah says is a great leader, will take over from Mark Darrah. Darrah is confident that the team can develop the best Dragon Age of all time.
What will happen to Anthem is not revealed in the two blog entries by Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah. The game is currently undergoing a major overhaul.
Both the next Mass Effect and Dragon Age 4 are still in development. Whether the departure of Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah will have an impact on the games and their direction remains to be seen. Very little is still known about both games.
What do you think? Will the departure of Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah affect the new Mass Effect and Dragon Age games?
Things at BioWare seem to have been a bit chaotic for some time. An insider report on the development of Anthem already caught the fans’ attention.
