For many gamers, Bioware holds a revered spot among the greatest game developers. Even if their sole masterpiece was Dragon Age: Origins, their legacy would be secure. But their incredible portfolio extends beyond that, boasting classics like Mass Effect, Knights of the Old Republic, and Baldur’s Gate. Despite a few recent missteps, fans remain optimistic about upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated Mass Effect 5. However, Electronic Arts’ recent $55 billion sale has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Bioware’s future. Interestingly, former Bioware project director Mark Darrah suggests there’s still a glimmer of hope for the studio, particularly if EA were to consider selling it.
In a recent YouTube video, Darrah delved into the specifics of the private buyout, taking the time to address viewer questions in the comments. A particularly intriguing query arose: who, in his estimation, would be potential buyers for Bioware if EA ever decided to divest the studio?
(A video discussing this topic was presented by Mark Darrah.)
While Darrah, a seasoned industry veteran, doesn’t possess insider knowledge about EA’s recent deal or the acquiring consortium, his extensive experience offers valuable perspective. He posited that giants like Microsoft or perhaps Sony might be interested in acquiring the Mass Effect developer. He also cautiously added Amazon and Disney as potential suitors, emphasizing their chances with a strong ‘MAYBE’.
From a logical standpoint, Darrah’s predictions hold weight. Microsoft, for instance, has a strong history of collaboration with EA, even integrating EA Play into certain Game Pass subscriptions – a partnership whose future is now uncertain. However, Microsoft is also navigating the aftermath of its massive Activision-King acquisition, which led to antitrust scrutiny and job cuts across several studios.
Sony, known for its preference for compelling single-player experiences, could find Dragon Age and Mass Effect an excellent fit, adding a prominent traditional RPG franchise to its exclusive lineup, despite its usual focus on more linear titles. Amazon emerges as a surprising but plausible contender, especially considering they are already developing a Mass Effect TV series. Acquiring the game development side could bolster their burgeoning, though currently struggling, gaming division.
Regardless of who ultimately owns Bioware, or if the newly privatized EA decides to retain it, many fans share a common desire: a return to the studio’s golden era of RPGs. This means shedding live-service elements and avoiding overly simplified gameplay decisions. There’s significant concern that if Bioware remains under EA’s current ownership, its future will be marred by microtransaction-heavy monetization. A sale, however, could offer a path to repay some of the substantial $20 billion debt incurred by the PIF, Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake in the buyout, potentially freeing Bioware to once again create the games its dedicated fanbase yearns for.
For those eagerly awaiting Mass Effect 5, but impatient for its distant release, consider exploring other fantastic space-themed games. You might also enjoy guessing how many Bioware titles make it onto our list of top PC games (spoiler: it’s quite a few, but still not enough!).
What are your hopes for the next Bioware game? Share your thoughts and discuss your favorite canon playthroughs with fellow fans and our team. Stay updated on the latest gaming news as well.