Anthem: A Bold yet Overambitious Experiment by BioWare

Former BioWare executive producer Mike Darrah has come to the defence of the studio’s decision to pursue Anthem, a game that was arguably too big of a reach. Despite its shortcomings, Darrah believes that the studio was right to take the risk and attempt something new.

The decision to develop Anthem was a bold one, as it marked a significant departure from BioWare’s traditional single-player RPG roots. However, according to Darrah, this risk was necessary for the studio’s growth and evolution.

By venturing into the world of online multiplayer games, BioWare aimed to push the boundaries of what was possible in the genre. Although Anthem did not quite live up to expectations, Darrah remains adamant that the experience gained from this project will benefit the studio in the long run.

One of the primary reasons behind Anthem’s lack of success was its overambitious scope. The game’s vast open world and complex gameplay mechanics proved to be too much for the studio to handle, resulting in a plethora of technical issues and a lack of polish.

Despite these setbacks, Darrah’s defence of BioWare’s decision to pursue Anthem is rooted in the studio’s commitment to innovation and risk-taking. By embracing new challenges and experimenting with different genres, BioWare can continue to evolve and stay ahead of the curve.

The failure of Anthem has led some to suggest that BioWare should have stuck to its single-player RPG roots. However, Darrah disagrees, arguing that the studio’s willingness to take risks is essential to its success.

In conclusion, while Anthem may have been too big of a reach for BioWare, the studio’s decision to pursue this project was a necessary risk. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for developers like BioWare to push the boundaries of what is possible and strive for innovation.

By analysing the successes and failures of Anthem, BioWare can gain valuable insights into what works and what does not, allowing the studio to refine its approach and create even better games in the future.

Ultimately, the experience gained from developing Anthem will have a lasting impact on BioWare, shaping the studio’s behaviour and approach to game development for years to come.

The colour and depth that BioWare brings to its games are a testament to the studio’s dedication to its craft. As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see how BioWare adapts and innovates in response.