Anthem's Future in Question as EA Weighs Options

In a recent development, the future of BioWare's ambitious MMORPG, Anthem, is looking increasingly uncertain. The game, which was released in 2019 to mixed reviews, has struggled to find its footing in the crowded gaming market. As a result, ex-BioWare producer Mark Darrah made a case for how Electronic Arts (EA) could still salvage the game at a relatively low cost.

However, it appears that BioWare and EA are unlikely to take this route, instead opting for a more comprehensive overhaul of the game's development cycle. In this article, we'll delve into the details surrounding Anthem's future and explore what this means for fans of the game.

The State of Anthem

For those who may not be familiar with Anthem, it's an MMORPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the role of a "Javelin," a skilled warrior tasked with fighting against the forces of chaos. The game was developed by BioWare and published by EA.

At launch, Anthem received largely negative reviews from critics and players alike. Many felt that the game's open-world design was flawed, leading to repetitive gameplay and poor optimization. Additionally, the game's lack of meaningful endgame content and poor narrative were major criticisms.

Mark Darrah's Pitch

In a recent interview, ex-BioWare producer Mark Darrah made the case for how EA could still save Anthem at a relatively low cost. According to Darrah, one potential solution would be to hire BioWare to continue working on the game, but with a more streamlined and focused approach.

Darrah suggested that this could involve:

• Rethinking the game's scope: Instead of trying to tackle everything in the game at once, EA could focus on a smaller subset of features and prioritize those above all else.
• Streamlining development cycles: By reducing the number of people working on the game, EA could speed up the development cycle and get Anthem back into players' hands sooner.
• Focusing on community engagement: BioWare could work with the community to gather feedback and suggestions, which would help shape the game's future direction.

The Verdict: A Comprehensive Overhaul

While Darrah's pitch is an interesting one, it seems unlikely that BioWare will take this route. Instead, it appears that the studio is opting for a more comprehensive overhaul of the game's development cycle.

Sources close to the project have revealed that BioWare is working on a new iteration of Anthem, which would involve:

• Significant changes to the game's world: The developers are reportedly looking to revamp the game's world and make it feel more alive.
• New gameplay mechanics: BioWare is said to be experimenting with new gameplay mechanics, including a dynamic weather system and improved combat.
• Improved narrative: The studio is working on a revised narrative for the game, which would help to better tell the story of Anthem.

What This Means for Fans

The news that BioWare is opting for a comprehensive overhaul of Anthem's development cycle has been met with both excitement and trepidation from fans. While some are looking forward to seeing what changes will be made, others are worried about the game's future prospects.

One thing is certain: Anthem's future is no longer in question. Instead, it's time to focus on what's next for BioWare and EA as they work to revamp this ambitious MMORPG.

Conclusion

The future of Anthem remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the game's development cycle is set for a major overhaul. As we wait to see what changes will be made, it's worth reflecting on the lessons learned from BioWare's previous attempts at creating an MMORPG.

One key takeaway is the importance of community engagement and feedback. By listening to players and incorporating their suggestions into the game's development cycle, BioWare can create a more engaging and immersive experience.

Ultimately, Anthem's future will depend on how well BioWare and EA execute on their vision for the game. As fans, we'll just have to wait and see what the future holds for this ambitious MMORPG.

Timeline: What to Expect

Here's a rough timeline of what to expect in the coming months:

• Spring 2023: BioWare is expected to release more information about their plans for Anthem.
• Summer 2023: The studio will begin working on the game's new iteration, which will involve significant changes to the game's world and gameplay mechanics.
• Fall 2023: BioWare is expected to unveil a major update or expansion pack for Anthem, which will give players a chance to experience the revamped game.

Takeaways

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• BioWare is working on a comprehensive overhaul of Anthem's development cycle.
• The studio is opting for significant changes to the game's world and gameplay mechanics.
• Improved narrative is also on the agenda.
• Community engagement and feedback will be crucial in shaping the game's future direction.

Questions

Here are some questions that remain unanswered:

• What exactly does BioWare mean by "comprehensive overhaul"?
• How will the new iteration of Anthem differ from the original game?
• What role will community engagement play in shaping the game's future?

As we wait for more information, these questions will likely continue to weigh on fans' minds.