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GDC 06: BioWare talks Mass Effect, next-gen, and mergers

The game industry's most famous doctors discuss their games, and their thoughts on next-generation gaming at GDC 2006.

BioWare Speaks!

Ray Muzyka takes you inside Mass Effect.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--Amid the sights, sounds, and occasional smells of the San Jose Convention Center's bustling exhibit halls, Game Developers Conference 2006 was in full swing Thursday. That was plainly evident to Drs. Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk of BioWare, who sat down with GameSpot to discuss the studio's upcoming role-playing game Mass Effect for the Xbox 360, as well as its current situation with partner Pandemic Studios, progress on the studio's upcoming RPG Dragon Age, and next-generation gaming on consoles and PCs.

As mentioned in our previous coverage, Mass Effect will be a squad-based, sci-fi game in which gamers play as a human soldier in an unfriendly galaxy full of alien life forms.

According to Muzyka, players will take on the role of the "tip of humanity on a sci-fi stage," playing as a soldier in a small human contingent in a very large galaxy full of alien life that has been there long before homo sapiens ever made the trip: "kind of an outsider in the galactic hierarchy." Zeschuk said that the game is in keeping with BioWare's overriding goal to make "the best story-driven games out there."

To that end, Zeschuk explained that the game will feature just as much character development as previous BioWare games, as well as a strategic layer not unlike the party selection in Knights of the Old Republic. As in that game, in Mass Effect, gamers will choose only two teammates at any time, so you'll need to make the hard decision of which teammates to accompany your character, and then in practice, what tactics your three-person squad will use on the fly when trouble arises.

Muzyka then added that Mass Effect, in addition to emphasizing story and character development, will also attempt to revive the kind of open-ended exploration that longtime BioWare fans have greatly enjoyed in the Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights games--your character will roam freely, after gaining possession of a rugged rover vehicle that will help you chart out new territory.

The studio heads went on to give a vague but optimistic update on Dragon Age, the unlicensed successor to BioWare's classic Dungeons & Dragons games (minus the Dungeons & Dragons).

When asked if Dragon Age, Mass Effect, and BioWare's 2005 action RPG Jade Empire were indicative of a change in focus for BioWare, one that will see the studio work exclusively on original intellectual properties, Muzyka replied that the studio remains "open to new IPs and licenses," but that licensed games can continue to be successful if their intellectual properties are treated "with great reverence and respect."

Muzyka then added that "[BioWare] wants to work with the best partners in the world." The studio's closest (and most permanent) partner is, obviously, Pandemic Studios, with which it merged last year.

Zeschuk insisted that the collaboration has been a change for the better--that BioWare/Pandemic has not become increasingly corporate, but rather, increasingly communicative, often using video conferencing to keep teams in touch from the various branches in Australia, Edmonton, Los Angeles, and its newly-opened Austin studio, where BioWare is working on a new massively multiplayer game with the help of former Sony Online Entertainment development veterans.

Zeschuk then reiterated that the studio isn't restraining itself to any particular hardware platform either, expressing interest not only in the newly revealed PlayStation 3 hardware, but in handheld consoles like the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP as well.

When asked about their thoughts on the recently delayed Windows Vista operating system and DirectX 10, Zeschuk replied that the new software could mean great things for PC gamers, suggesting that "Vista's features are really powerful, and could cause a resurgence of PC game development," assuming, as Muzyka pointed out, that Vista can resolve the seemingly age-old issue of driver-based software and hardware compatibility issues that sometimes plague PC game performance.

Still, the two pointed out that PC game sales of premium products actually appear to be increasing, which is perhaps simply indicative of a much smarter, more discerning audience--one that, like BioWare's cofounders, often refuses to purchase new game products without consulting review publications first.

Though BioWare/Pandemic clearly has its sights set on exploring numerous possibilities on all major game platforms, Zeschuk reiterated that at BioWare, "we'll be making PC games for a long, long time."

38 Comments

  • neoteny

    Posted Aug 10, 2006 4:50 am GMT

    spending over a hundred hours exploring huge enviornments, enjoying a new fighting system, and once again enjoying the dialogue similar to that of previous bioware RPGs, sh*t im good to go. Bioware is still goin strong. Great developer. speaking the way of the glass being "falf full", im sure they got something else they're not gonna mention for years to come. anyone care to ponder what that just might be? being a kotor fan I can't deny it. you know what im talkin about.

  • buildar

    Posted Mar 28, 2006 3:51 pm GMT

    It'll be interesting to see how it turns out. New types and focuses in rpg gaming seem to keep popping up, but i'm old school console rpg gamer so for the most part they don't interest me. However, if they make a FPS with a lot of rpg elements then i might take notice.

  • kaziechameleon

    Posted Mar 27, 2006 10:40 am GMT

    mass effect is turning into a cross genre game and that is a good thing, look at both jade empire, and oblivion, the new action oriented rpg, were player skill wins over player hours, is the future, look at guild wars, that is also a great example, no longer will the guy who can sit in front of his computer the longest be the better role player, it's about more tactical viscereal and immersive experiences, and less about random dungeon generations and monotinous looting. they are adding new depth to the rpg styles of old and creating all new types of rpg's and that rocks. if you want classic rpg play everquest or something.

  • m68k

    Posted Mar 27, 2006 2:54 am GMT

    i love bioware ever since but jade empire disappointed me in every possible way. it was just plain boring.

  • acesion

    Posted Mar 26, 2006 9:19 pm GMT

    Jade Empire was a Fun game to play got it for 15 bucks when i got the 360 yes its combat was similar but basically all games except oblivion which is my favorite RPG tied with KOTOR. Anyways I think Mass Effect will be awsome an FPS RPG is the way to go My friend hates RPGS but he loves Oblivion because its realistic and thats they way they need to go with Mass effect As real as they can get. It will be an incredible game i can bet on that.

  • gatsbythepig

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 2:42 pm GMT

    pundog is right

  • halo2maniak

    Posted Mar 25, 2006 7:51 am GMT

    I cant wait

  • chrisdojo

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 1:58 pm GMT

    all these little companies getting merged.....guess next gen does cost alot.

  • Shadow_Mario10

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 1:55 pm GMT

    Jade Empire was highly underrated by Gamespot, and still remains as one of my favourite games this gen. Mass Effect should be simply amazing, and I look forward to its release immensely

  • nuit_b

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 1:44 pm GMT

    black isle > bioware

  • Allard_Rocker

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 12:04 pm GMT

    microsoft the new King of Ideas im loving 360 even more now

  • chikahiro94

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 10:43 am GMT

    Didn't Bioware do MDK2 on the Dreamcast and PS2?

    Let them branch out and explore new genres! Better for us, better for them, better for gaming in general, I think. I know the KOTOR games were something I could show off as being a more mature title for adults my age who aren't normally into gaming.

  • benkautz

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 10:36 am GMT

    Have a little faith. We don't know what tricks Bioware has up their sleeve and they have a knack for surprising people. How many people saw KOTOR as another Star Wars license feeding frenzy? With Bioware at the helm however it turned out better than ok. Lets wait awhile before giving Mass Effect the axe ay? Like maybe after we play it.

  • MrPMPisBeefy

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 10:28 am GMT

    I can't wait to see what they do. I like Bio-Ware's products so we'll see what they can do.

  • sethfrost_basic

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 9:44 am GMT

    "their too good to make the same mistake twice"...let's hope so. KotOR was a long time ago - they have to prove that they are top-notch again.

  • Legir

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 9:09 am GMT

    That was heartwarming for some reason.

  • Donkeljohn

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 9:00 am GMT

    More Dragon Age details please.

  • roadifer

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 8:44 am GMT

    I say good for Bioware. Good for them for pursuing games that are new IPs that try new ways to approach a game. Good for them for being original because critics across the board want new and original games. Good for them for following their instincts and putting out a terrific product.

  • RidleyTJN

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 8:40 am GMT

    I think Gamestop is confused. Dragon Age has always been PC not only that bit Bioware hasn't even announced it would BE a 360 title, even in the article.

  • DarkGord

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 8:25 am GMT

    ..."discuss their upcoming 360 game Dragon Age..." WTF???!
    I hope no brain dead greedy monster would want to turn it into a 360 exclusive!

  • NeoJedi

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 7:53 am GMT

    Bioware rocks, plain and simple.

  • acummuta

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:56 am GMT

    Honestly I think the company is entitled to do something other then an RPG. I mean...they spend years on this stuff. Wouldn't it be fun to try something different if you were them? I don't blame them. As long as they continue on story, all the better. Halo is a great game because of story. I imagine the same will follow suit here. Bioware is currently my favorite development company. It's about the only company out there where if they're making the game, there's a good chance I'll buy it. KOTOR, Jade Empire, Neverwinter Nights...I own and love them all. Though I do favor consoles. The Dragon Age game looks sweet, too bad it's PC only (even though I own a PC). But back to Mass Effect. I like all of you thought it was going to be a RPG...I did too. This coupled with when I found out that Too Human was an action game...the RPG potential has slipped for the 360. Though I think we can all expect good things from EM Enchant Arm and Lost Odyssey. And of course, someone is probably secretly working on KOTOR 3 somewhere.

  • lordseer

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 6:30 am GMT

    This isn't really a tactical shooter. This is a tactical shooter in the sense that Deuc Ex is a first person shooter. This is much bigger than just being a tactical shooter.

  • Lauryn2000

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 5:01 am GMT

    At least they aren't committing themselves to just one system.All the systems will get...especially the handhelds.

  • DarkJedi8_basic

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:57 am GMT

    Um...where is the 'vague but optimistic update on Dragon Age'??? Please!!!

  • captroy

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:34 am GMT

    This is the first I've heard of Mass Effect being a tactical shooter - it's not like there aren't a hundred of those already. What a bummer. I'm not opposed to BioWare going in new directions, but how about trying something that's not derivative?

  • RobertBowen

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:13 am GMT

    I'm more interested in their PC titles...so I'm still waiting for more information (and media) from Dragon Age. The first screenshots they showed are obviously way out of date now, so it would be good to see how the game has progressed since it was announced.

  • thekey

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 4:04 am GMT

    I hope they don't screw this promising game up.

  • mamad_raiss

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 1:40 am GMT

    new titles ,new names , new ideas for microsoft games. if these games be sucsessful then they have many new franchies add to old good series.and in 2009 we can see more and more from microsoft games: too human 2,mass effect 2,gear of war 2, forza motor sport 2, PDZ 2, PGR4,lost odyessey 2, blue dragon 2, 99nights 2 ,fable 2 , halo3(exapnsion),crackdown2, jade empire 2 and of course new original series that nobody knows.

  • FuguNabe

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 1:34 am GMT

    I like the PC's Baldur's Gate series and Fallout. KOTOR and Jade Empire were solid too from spending time on my friend's X-box (don't have one). I hope Bioware continues to make great products for various next gen platforms and PC. This one sound interesting but ... well... um.. very different ne.

  • dru26

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 12:37 am GMT

    I loved Jade, a little more action oriented would have made it one of my all time favorites.

  • trancejeremy

    Posted Mar 24, 2006 12:37 am GMT

    While I don't think it was a complete flop, I don't think Jade Empire sold very well. If they keep going in that direction, which it seems like they are, they are going to be out of business in a few years...

  • markiemarkie231

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 11:16 pm GMT

    Can't wait

  • LockeScarlet

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 10:59 pm GMT

    Mass Effect looks ok, but im looking forward to Gears of War more.

  • microwaveman

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 10:58 pm GMT

    this is going to be sweet, i love the bioware games, even jade empire.

  • pundog

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 10:45 pm GMT

    Even if Mass Effect does turn out to be like Jade Empire, Bioware has learned from their mistakes. I believe Jade Empire was their first game that was completely designed from the ground up in house. Bioware is too good to make the same mistakes twice.

  • DeadManSaloon

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 10:39 pm GMT

    My anticipation level for Mass Effect is rivaling is rivalling that of the new Zelda games.

    I

  • magus704

    Posted Mar 23, 2006 10:38 pm GMT

    Mass Effect is turning into a tactical shooter? Why doesn't Bioware just stick to doing traditional RPGs? It's looking to me that Mass Effect is turning into another Jade Empire. An unfocused RPG that's trying to do too much and ends up dummying down the role-playing elements.

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