After a remarkable 19-year tenure at BioWare, Mac Walters, the lead writer for the “Mass Effect” series, has embarked on a new venture. His decision to leave and start anew at Worlds Untold, a Vancouver-based studio, marks a significant shift in his career.
Reflecting on BioWare and the Lure of New Challenges
In a candid interview with MinnMax, Walters opened up about the factors that influenced his departure. A key reason was his yearning to create something entirely new, a desire that he felt could not be fulfilled within the confines of BioWare or its parent company, EA.
The Turning Point: Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
The development of the “Mass Effect: Legendary Edition” trilogy remaster played a pivotal role in Walters’ decision.
This project, somewhat of an unplanned endeavor by EA, allowed Walters to lead a smaller team akin to his early days at BioWare. The experience reignited his passion for working in a more agile, “scrappy” team environment, reminiscent of the studio’s early days.
A Reminder of the Past
Walters described the “Legendary Edition” project as a refreshing departure from BioWare’s usual large-scale RPG productions.
It involved a leaner, more entrepreneurial approach, which he found reminiscent of BioWare’s origins – a place where creativity thrived in a close-knit team setting.
The Appeal of Entrepreneurial Spirit
The project’s success was partly due to Walters’ ability to operate somewhat independently, making strategic decisions and bringing in co-development partners. This entrepreneurial spirit, he believed, is crucial for the future of AAA gaming, especially given its increasing complexity and challenges.
The Desire for New Intellectual Property (IP)
Walters expressed a strong desire to develop new IPs and to work with a small team to bring fresh ideas to life. However, he sensed that opportunities for such ventures were limited at BioWare and EA in the near future.
The Decision to Move On
After exploring possibilities within BioWare and EA, Walters concluded that his aspirations for working on new projects were unlikely to be realized in his current setting. This realization, coupled with the success and positive reception of “Legendary Edition,” solidified his decision to leave.
A Positive Exit and Looking Ahead
Walters viewed his work on “Legendary Edition” as a fitting conclusion to his time with the “Mass Effect” series.
His departure from BioWare was on a high note, leaving behind a legacy of critically acclaimed work.
Walters’ Reflections on Mass Effect
Throughout his career, Walters has often reflected on his experiences with “Mass Effect,” discussing the challenges and triumphs of developing a compelling trilogy. His interviews have delved into the creative processes behind crafting the game’s intricate storylines and characters.
Worlds Untold: A Fresh Start
At Worlds Untold, Walters is focused on creating a narrative-driven, near-future action-adventure game. He aims to avoid the constraints he previously encountered, ensuring the studio’s projects are open-ended and ripe for exploration and mystery.
A New Chapter for Walters
Mac Walters’ transition from BioWare to Worlds Untold represents a significant shift in his career trajectory.
His move underscores the evolving nature of the gaming industry, where seasoned veterans seek new challenges and opportunities to innovate and create. As Walters embarks on this new journey, the gaming world eagerly anticipates the fresh stories and experiences he will bring to life.
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