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BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk has addressed the closure of the famed development studio by parent company Electronic Arts, calling the decision sad and pointing to EA's buyout by a Saudi-backed consortium as the final nail in the coffin. Speaking to 80 Level after learning of the shutdown while on a fishing trip, Zeschuk voiced deep sympathy for newly unemployed staff and lamented the loss for the studio's home city of Edmonton. [1][2]
Zeschuk argued that BioWare's complex, slow-to-develop titles clash with modern corporate priorities that favor annual sports releases. He also sharply criticized gaming industry leaders, contending that executives who rise through business channels rather than development have never actually built a game from start to finish and simply do not understand the process. Additionally, he dismissed recent industry attempts to rebuild great games using random staff and artificial intelligence, asserting that the strategy does not work. [1][2]
Although Zeschuk defended BioWare's original sale to EA in 2008 as a move that provided stability, he reaffirmed that he has no intention of returning to the sector. Having retired alongside co-founder Ray Muzyka in 2012, Zeschuk now runs Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company in Alberta and explained that the immense personal cost and effort of game development are no longer worth it to him. [1][2]
One of BioWare's famous doctor-founders, Greg Zeschuk, has finally spoken about the studio's closure last week, saying it's "kind of sad" and that EA's leveraged buyout by a Saudi-involved consortium "was the final nail in the coffin".
via Eurogamer
In a rare interview, Zeschuk said the closure of BioWare is sad, but his greater concern is for the people put out of work.
via PC Gamer