BioWare’s name was once synonymous with great RPGs, as it developed full-blown universes likeBaldur’s Gate,Neverwinter Nights,Dragon Age, andMass Effect. Recent years haven’t been so kind, though, asMass Effect: AndromedaandAnthemhave left a bad taste in the mouth of many fans. However, recent developments have showcased a bright future for BioWare if the studio can live up to its reputation once more and succeed on upcoming games likeDragon Age 4.
It’s now known thatDragon Age 4is in development (though it has had some troubles), and it’s likely to be the next big game form the studio, meaning a lot is riding on it. Recent reports have also indicated thatAnthemis getting a massive overhaul, and a newMass Effectis in development. Provided these projects live to see the light of day, BioWare has a big opportunity to make a serious comeback.
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Dragon Age 4
Dragon Age 4was officially revealed at the Video Game Awards in 2018, but it was a simple teaser. There wasn’t an official title or anything like that showcased for the game, as if the developer was just trying to say, “hey, we’re working on it.” Reports later indicated thatDragon Age 4had been in development prior, as Project Joplin, before it was closed to finish upAnthem.Details fromDragon Age’s Project Joplinrevealed that players would spies in Tevinter with heists being a core gameplay mechanic, but this new project,Dragon Age’s Project Morrison, may or may not have anything left over from that.
As a result, theDragon Age 4release date is still far off. There’s a chance players will hear more about the game at the upcomingDragon Agecelebration or maybe even at this year’s Video Game Awards, but it won’t likely be substantial. Truth be told, that’s a good thing. If EA or BioWare rushDragon Age 4, it could end up being anotherMass Effect: AndromedaorAnthemin terms of reception, which could be the final nail in the coffin for those who have persevered through the company’s last shortcomings.
Anthem Next
Recent reports have also indicated that BioWare is working on bringingAnthemback from the brink, effectively changing up the entire game. How extensive it is remains to be seen, but this project reportedly has “dozens, if not hundreds” of developers behind it.Anthem NextorAnthem 2.0, as it has been called, will be a direct attempt to resurrect itself, not unlikeNo Man’s Skydid over several updates, not unlikeDestinydid with the Taken King, and not unlike howFinal Fantasy 14was literally remade.
Anthem, at its core, has a lot going for it, even if it fell short in a ton of places like loot. Prior to launch, many believed it to be something truly special, including those at BioWare itself. If BioWare can capture that magic once more, even as late as it is andreinventAnthemthen the future is indeed bright.
Mass Effect
In the report of theAnthemoverhaul, there was one little nugget of information that itself has huge implications for BioWare: anewMass Effectgame appears to be in development, with Mike Gamble taking the helm. Gamble has previously worked onME2, ME3, ME: Andromeda, andAnthem. Of course, that’s equal parts excitement and wariness, but it’s worth mentioning that a lot changed betweenME3andAndromeda. If BioWare returns to its roots and Mass Effect launches to the success and popularity of the original trilogy, it’ll be big.
AssumingBioWarepulls all of this off, it seems likely many fans will brushAndromedaandAnthem’s initial launch off as growing pains, but this comes as a double-edged sword. Potential for huge success doesn’t come without potential for huge failure, and hopefully, BioWare finds itself on the former half of that equation.
Dragon Age 4is in development for unspecified platforms.Anthem NextandMass Effectare reported to be in development.
