In a surprising turn of events today at BioWare, two long-time staffers – Casey Hudson, the studio’s general manager, and Mark Darrah, the executive producer of Dragon Age – announced they’re retiring.
“Arriving at this point has been an opportunity for me to reflect on my own future, and 2020 has been a year that forced all of us to re-imagine how we think about work and life,” said Casey. “For me, it’s been the realization that I still have tremendous energy to create, but also that I need to try something different.” With his retirement, he’s opening the door “for the next generation of studio leaders.”
“BioWare has always been about telling emotional stories through characters,” said Darrah. “We have wandered away from this central guiding pillar at times, but I am confident that the next Dragon Age will show that we remain committed to this kind of game. We will have a lot to show you.”
“Mass Effect too has an exciting future,” he added. “I won’t say too much but I am impressed by the growth of Mike Gamble and I am looking forward to all that franchise will do under his leadership.”
EA’s chief studios officer Laura Miele shared her own high-level update in a public statement.
“Samantha Ryan, who came to Electronic Arts after leading Warner Brothers Games, is one of the strongest leaders in the industry. She will continue to oversee the studio. I’m also excited to announce Christian Dailey, who joined BioWare from Blizzard, will be leading our Dragon Age project currently in development. Christian is a fantastic creative leader and I look forward to you all getting to know him in the coming days. We recently announced Mass Effect: The Legendary Edition and Mike Gamble is leading a team hard at work on that franchise’s future.” BioWare is still lining up a new general manager.
These are two series that fans are hoping against hope will turn out well. Count me among them.
A Message From Laura Miele, Chief Studios Officer, Electronic Arts [BioWare]
Source: Destructoid Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah are retiring from BioWare but Mass Effect and Dragon Age are in ‘good hands’