Rob Leane Apr 19, 2019
BioWare and Obsidian both cooked up Knights of the Old Republic sequel ideas, but the Force sadly wasn't with them....
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which was developed by BioWare and published by LucasArts in 2003, is fondly remembered as one of the greatest Star Wars games ever produced. KotOR (as fans took to calling it) was epic an RPG with a killer story, heaps of planets to explore, loads of loveable characters, and a real sense that your actions had consequences.
Obsidian Entertainment took over from BioWare to make a sequel, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords, which arrived at the tail-end of 2004. KotOR 2 felt a little rushed in comparison to the original, but it still stood up on its own as an impressively detailed game with a stack of excellent features. Its villains were particularly memorable.
Since then,...
BioWare and Obsidian both cooked up Knights of the Old Republic sequel ideas, but the Force sadly wasn't with them....
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which was developed by BioWare and published by LucasArts in 2003, is fondly remembered as one of the greatest Star Wars games ever produced. KotOR (as fans took to calling it) was epic an RPG with a killer story, heaps of planets to explore, loads of loveable characters, and a real sense that your actions had consequences.
Obsidian Entertainment took over from BioWare to make a sequel, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords, which arrived at the tail-end of 2004. KotOR 2 felt a little rushed in comparison to the original, but it still stood up on its own as an impressively detailed game with a stack of excellent features. Its villains were particularly memorable.
Since then,...
- 4/19/2019
- Den of Geek
Megan Crouse May 24, 2019
A new book reveals some of the secrets of the making of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic!
Of all of the video games in Star Wars history, Knights of the Old Republic and its sequel may be the most memorable. In the rarified air of Star Wars storytelling, where generations of writers and artists raised on the movies vie for the chance to put their own artistic spin on George Lucas’s universe, the ultimate goal is to create work that fans will remember and love for a long time. And few games have reached the storytelling heights of this BioWare RPG, which captures both the feeling of sitting down and watching a Star Wars movie for the first time while also giving fans a completely different and unexpected take on the galaxy.
Set thousands of years before the Skywalker Saga, Knights of the Old...
A new book reveals some of the secrets of the making of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic!
Of all of the video games in Star Wars history, Knights of the Old Republic and its sequel may be the most memorable. In the rarified air of Star Wars storytelling, where generations of writers and artists raised on the movies vie for the chance to put their own artistic spin on George Lucas’s universe, the ultimate goal is to create work that fans will remember and love for a long time. And few games have reached the storytelling heights of this BioWare RPG, which captures both the feeling of sitting down and watching a Star Wars movie for the first time while also giving fans a completely different and unexpected take on the galaxy.
Set thousands of years before the Skywalker Saga, Knights of the Old...
- 4/10/2019
- Den of Geek
Despite having retired from Bioware in 2012, co-founder Greg Zeschuk is still admitting to be immensely excited about the release of Mass Effect: Andromeda. In an interview with Gamespot, Zeschuk talked at length about how much he’s looking forward to playing the latest instalment in the sci-fi series.
Zeschuk spoke of his comfort with the direction that Bioware are taking the series with Mass Effect: Andromeda, and explained how confident he is that the finished product will be worthy of the standards set early in the franchise:
I think people can be pretty confident it’s in really good hands; a lot of the folks working on it are core, Mass Effect team people. I know there’s been concerns like, ‘They’re going to go strange directions’ or whatever. But I’m pretty confident that what they have planned is going to be pretty incredible.
The retired...
Zeschuk spoke of his comfort with the direction that Bioware are taking the series with Mass Effect: Andromeda, and explained how confident he is that the finished product will be worthy of the standards set early in the franchise:
I think people can be pretty confident it’s in really good hands; a lot of the folks working on it are core, Mass Effect team people. I know there’s been concerns like, ‘They’re going to go strange directions’ or whatever. But I’m pretty confident that what they have planned is going to be pretty incredible.
The retired...
- 4/7/2016
- by Gareth Cartwright
- We Got This Covered
Sam looks at the history of the studio behind Mass Effect, Baldur's Gate, and Dragon Age: Inquisition
A chance meeting of three trainee doctors in medical school has led to a generation of players being treated to some of the most memorable gaming storylines of all. Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk and Augustine Yip were committed gamers, with the small matter of training for a career in medicine to attend to first. On graduating, the three came together to use their programming experience (medical software is owed a debt of gratitude by many RPG fans) to begin to create their own games. Thus, from a lecture hall in Canada, Bioware was born.
With the release of their first game, the mech shooter Shattered Steel in 1996, the company came into the public eye. Introducing revolutionary concepts like destructible terrain and context-dependant damage (layman’s terms; headshots hurt more), the team met with some success.
A chance meeting of three trainee doctors in medical school has led to a generation of players being treated to some of the most memorable gaming storylines of all. Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk and Augustine Yip were committed gamers, with the small matter of training for a career in medicine to attend to first. On graduating, the three came together to use their programming experience (medical software is owed a debt of gratitude by many RPG fans) to begin to create their own games. Thus, from a lecture hall in Canada, Bioware was born.
With the release of their first game, the mech shooter Shattered Steel in 1996, the company came into the public eye. Introducing revolutionary concepts like destructible terrain and context-dependant damage (layman’s terms; headshots hurt more), the team met with some success.
- 11/15/2014
- by sarahd
- Den of Geek
It's difficult to even begin to describe the phenomenal growth and activity in the craft beer industry this year, but it's evident from the number of selections on tap and on retailers' shelves that craft brewing is booming. As the number of Texas craft breweries increases, existing ones are prospering with brewery expansions and new beer offerings.
Filmmaker Mike Mann (Brewed) and host Greg Zeschuk have been documenting and sharing stories from many of these Texas breweries through their ongoing web series, The Beer Diaries. Zeschuk recently visited the brewers of Kamala Brewing at the Whip In (pictured at top), an award-winning brewpub here in Austin.
Another recent episode features the first cooperatively owned and managed brewpub in the world, Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery, and an upcoming show takes viewers behind the scenes of the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner. Check out one of my favorites below featuring Live...
Filmmaker Mike Mann (Brewed) and host Greg Zeschuk have been documenting and sharing stories from many of these Texas breweries through their ongoing web series, The Beer Diaries. Zeschuk recently visited the brewers of Kamala Brewing at the Whip In (pictured at top), an award-winning brewpub here in Austin.
Another recent episode features the first cooperatively owned and managed brewpub in the world, Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery, and an upcoming show takes viewers behind the scenes of the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner. Check out one of my favorites below featuring Live...
- 7/16/2014
- by Debbie Cerda
- Slackerwood
In a recent interview Dr. Greg Zeschuk, co-founder of "Mass Effect" and "Dragon Age" developer BioWare, spoke about next generation consoles, pointing out that he doesn't think PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's next console are going "to be that big a deal."
"Everyone's kind of holding out hope for the new consoles, but I honestly don't think they're going to be that big a deal," Zeschuk told GamesIndustry International. "I worry a lot that unless Microsoft or Sony pull something magically out of a hat, it's pretty much the same old, same old repackaged and I don't think they're going to change the dynamic of the retail market. I don't see how they can - the market is what it is."
Sony announced the PlayStation 4 back in February with the console's launch scheduled for later in 2013. Microsoft on the other hand has yet to even confirm the existence of a next-gen Xbox,...
"Everyone's kind of holding out hope for the new consoles, but I honestly don't think they're going to be that big a deal," Zeschuk told GamesIndustry International. "I worry a lot that unless Microsoft or Sony pull something magically out of a hat, it's pretty much the same old, same old repackaged and I don't think they're going to change the dynamic of the retail market. I don't see how they can - the market is what it is."
Sony announced the PlayStation 4 back in February with the console's launch scheduled for later in 2013. Microsoft on the other hand has yet to even confirm the existence of a next-gen Xbox,...
- 4/10/2013
- by Don Hatfield
- MTV Multiplayer
Legendary Pictures is still slowly but surly developing a big screen adaptation of Electronic Arts and BioWare's Mass Effect franchise. They just hired writer Morgan Davis Foehl to take a crack at the script that was previously worked on by Thor scribe Mark Protosevich.
None of the scripts written by Foehl have been produced so I have no idea if he's a good writer or not. He previously worked as an assistant editor on the TV show Rescue Me and the Adam Sandler film I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. One of the scripts he wrote, Whatever Gets You Through the Night, landed on 2009's Black List. He also wrote an adaptation of the Top Cow comicbook Crosshair for Summit.
According to Variety he's a big Mass Effect fan, "and has also penned action pics with a strong espionage bent, material similar to the overall plot of the Mass Effect games.
None of the scripts written by Foehl have been produced so I have no idea if he's a good writer or not. He previously worked as an assistant editor on the TV show Rescue Me and the Adam Sandler film I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. One of the scripts he wrote, Whatever Gets You Through the Night, landed on 2009's Black List. He also wrote an adaptation of the Top Cow comicbook Crosshair for Summit.
According to Variety he's a big Mass Effect fan, "and has also penned action pics with a strong espionage bent, material similar to the overall plot of the Mass Effect games.
- 10/24/2012
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The last two of the original three founders of the video game studio BioWare have announced their intention to retire from the company.
Dr. Greg Zeschuk and Dr. Ray Muzyka have picked an interesting time to announce their retirement. Dragon Age III: Inquisition‘s development was just revealed, and is speculated to release fall 2013. Additionally, Casey Hudson is planning to make further inroads into the Mass Effect series, possibly with an entirely new game.
For the time being, however, fans of BioWare will be mourning the loss of the two doctors, who were instrumental in developing such legendary titles as Jade Empire, Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect and Dragon Age among others.
In a statement to their fans, the two doctors highlighted the reasons for their decision to leave. Muzkya commented:
“After nearly two decades in video games, I’ve decided to move on to pursue an entirely different set of challenges,...
Dr. Greg Zeschuk and Dr. Ray Muzyka have picked an interesting time to announce their retirement. Dragon Age III: Inquisition‘s development was just revealed, and is speculated to release fall 2013. Additionally, Casey Hudson is planning to make further inroads into the Mass Effect series, possibly with an entirely new game.
For the time being, however, fans of BioWare will be mourning the loss of the two doctors, who were instrumental in developing such legendary titles as Jade Empire, Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect and Dragon Age among others.
In a statement to their fans, the two doctors highlighted the reasons for their decision to leave. Muzkya commented:
“After nearly two decades in video games, I’ve decided to move on to pursue an entirely different set of challenges,...
- 9/20/2012
- by Joe Hill
- We Got This Covered
BioWare, one of the gaming industry’s leading RPG developers has released several news items in the past few hours that have really shaken up the gaming world. Firstly, Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka will be departing BioWare for greener pastures. That, for those of you who don’t know who those men are, is very, very bad news, as they were the co-founders and lead creative voices behind BioWare since it’s creation.
So, now that you know that the minds behind some of the greatest RPGs ever made are leaving the company they founded, you’ve probably decided that you’re past the part where that news sucks, right? I can hear you saying to me, “Surely, they are planning on founding a company that is free from the restraints of EA’s presumably immense team of marketing gurus.”
First, don’t call me “Shirley” (classic!), second, that’s not the case.
So, now that you know that the minds behind some of the greatest RPGs ever made are leaving the company they founded, you’ve probably decided that you’re past the part where that news sucks, right? I can hear you saying to me, “Surely, they are planning on founding a company that is free from the restraints of EA’s presumably immense team of marketing gurus.”
First, don’t call me “Shirley” (classic!), second, that’s not the case.
- 9/19/2012
- by Clayton Ofbricks
- Obsessed with Film
Bioware announced today that pre-orders for Mass Effect 3 are well in front of Mass Effect 2 numbers. Part of the reason for the higher sales numbers is that this will be the first time a Mass Effect game has launched on both the Xbox 360 and PS3 simultaneously.
EA product manager Will Graham said;
“Currently our pre-orders have broken the targets set, we are well ahead of where we were at the same point with Mass Effect 2 and we have all of the platforms aligned for launch, which is a first for the Mass Effect franchise, TV, cinema, online, print and outdoor activity will help capture the mainstream audience, For the core Mass Effect fan, we’ve been building on the immersive nature of the game with a host of trailers, social media activity and fan site activation”
I figured Mass Effect 3 would sell better than Mass Effect 2 because sequels to well...
EA product manager Will Graham said;
“Currently our pre-orders have broken the targets set, we are well ahead of where we were at the same point with Mass Effect 2 and we have all of the platforms aligned for launch, which is a first for the Mass Effect franchise, TV, cinema, online, print and outdoor activity will help capture the mainstream audience, For the core Mass Effect fan, we’ve been building on the immersive nature of the game with a host of trailers, social media activity and fan site activation”
I figured Mass Effect 3 would sell better than Mass Effect 2 because sequels to well...
- 2/27/2012
- by Matt Mann
- Obsessed with Film
Star Wars: The Old Republic will receive its first content update next week. 'Rise of the Rakghouls', or version 1.1, will introduce new higher level group content, game features, balancing and bug fixes on January 17. New Flashpoint 'Kaon Under Siege' will see level 50 characters race to planet Kaon and take care of the Rakghouls outbreak. Meanwhile 'Karagga's Palace' is a continuation of the game's second launch Operation, and sees teams of eight or 16 face Karagga and the Hutt Cartel. "A month ago when we launched the Early Game Access program for Star Wars: The Old Republic, we promised our fans that this would just be the beginning of our journey together," said BioWare general manager Dr. Greg Zeschuk. "'Rise of the Rakghouls' adds a lot (more)...
- 1/13/2012
- by By Matthew Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Almost a month has passed since Star Wars: The Old Republic was officially launched on 20th December to general acclaim and with a massive, record-breaking response and the development team are already set to release the first game update.
Set for launch next week on Tuesday 17th January, Rise of the Rakghouls will introduce new, higher level group content, game feature additions and continued balancing and bug fixes. And going forward, throughout the year, BioWare plan to release game updates to subscribers regularly, with the next update scheduled for March 2012 and set to include new Flashpoints, Operations, WarZones and new game systems.
Dr. Greg Zeschuk, General Manager of the BioWare Label’s Mmo Business Unit and Co-Founder of BioWare launched the update with the following comment:
A month ago when we launched the Early Game Access program for Star Wars: The Old Republic, we promised our fans that...
Set for launch next week on Tuesday 17th January, Rise of the Rakghouls will introduce new, higher level group content, game feature additions and continued balancing and bug fixes. And going forward, throughout the year, BioWare plan to release game updates to subscribers regularly, with the next update scheduled for March 2012 and set to include new Flashpoints, Operations, WarZones and new game systems.
Dr. Greg Zeschuk, General Manager of the BioWare Label’s Mmo Business Unit and Co-Founder of BioWare launched the update with the following comment:
A month ago when we launched the Early Game Access program for Star Wars: The Old Republic, we promised our fans that...
- 1/12/2012
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Star Wars: The Old Republic will arrive in Europe and the Us simultaneously. BioWare has revealed that the multiplayer online game's European launch has been brought forward to December 20 to bring it in line with its North American debut. The studio's community manager Stephen Reid confirmed the new release date at the Star Wars panel at this weekend's New York Comic-Con. BioWare founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk originally announced at the Eurogamer Expo that The Old Republic was to arrive in (more)...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Mark Langshaw
- Digital Spy
Canadian-based BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts and Dark Horse Comics have teamed on a special edition of "Mass Effect: Invasion" #1, the first installment in a series of comic books detailing the events following 'Commander Shepard', based on the video game, "Mass Effect 2".
The special edition, written by "Mass Effect" lead writer Mac Walters and John Jackson Miller is illustrated by Omar Francia :
"...',T’Loak', the self-appointed queen of 'Omega', a seedy space station catering to the galaxy’s underworld, must defend her territory from a terrifying new threat unleashed by a pro-human organization called 'Cerberus'..."
In other "Mass Effect" news, Legendary Pictures continues to develop a "Mass Effect" feature film, falling under Legendary's co-production/co-financing agreement with Warner Bros., who will distribute the film worldwide.
Producers are Legendary’s Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni as well as Avi and Ari Arad. BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk...
The special edition, written by "Mass Effect" lead writer Mac Walters and John Jackson Miller is illustrated by Omar Francia :
"...',T’Loak', the self-appointed queen of 'Omega', a seedy space station catering to the galaxy’s underworld, must defend her territory from a terrifying new threat unleashed by a pro-human organization called 'Cerberus'..."
In other "Mass Effect" news, Legendary Pictures continues to develop a "Mass Effect" feature film, falling under Legendary's co-production/co-financing agreement with Warner Bros., who will distribute the film worldwide.
Producers are Legendary’s Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni as well as Avi and Ari Arad. BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk...
- 10/5/2011
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
In an interview today BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk admitted they have thought about making the next Mass Effect game an Mmo.
Here is what they had to say:
“You never know, I think once The Old Republic is done, we’ll take a fresh look at the market. And we’ll have learned a lot. While making it, you learn an enormous amount. We’re focused very much on The Old Republic, Mass Effect 3 and Wrath of Heroes, and all the other things we’ve announced, and haven’t announced, but we also have the opportunity to look at our franchises in a way we haven’t ever before. There are lots of new platforms and lots of new business models. It’s one of the nice things about having these properties in our back pocket. If we want to use something we own as a source for a game,...
Here is what they had to say:
“You never know, I think once The Old Republic is done, we’ll take a fresh look at the market. And we’ll have learned a lot. While making it, you learn an enormous amount. We’re focused very much on The Old Republic, Mass Effect 3 and Wrath of Heroes, and all the other things we’ve announced, and haven’t announced, but we also have the opportunity to look at our franchises in a way we haven’t ever before. There are lots of new platforms and lots of new business models. It’s one of the nice things about having these properties in our back pocket. If we want to use something we own as a source for a game,...
- 9/30/2011
- by Matt Mann
- Obsessed with Film
During their keynote address at the Eurogamer Expo, Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk, co-founders of BioWare, announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic will launch in North America on December 20, 2011 and in Europe on December 22, 2011. Set thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a massively multiplayer online game featuring dynamic combat across worlds in the Star Wars galaxy such as Tatooine, Alderaan, Hoth and more. Each of the game.s eight primary classes includes their own unique trilogy of storylines, all of which are fully voiced. Star Wars: The Old Republic is available for pre-order now at participating retailers while supplies last. All players who...
- 9/27/2011
- by Hector Cortez
- Monsters and Critics
It was finally announced at the Eurogamer Expo from Bioware that the long awaited video game Star Wars: The Old Republic will be released on December 20th 2011! This is sure to make Star Wars gamers incredibly excited and their significant others incredibly sad and disappointed. Think about it... gamers are going to be sucked in and lost in their computer during the Christmas holiday. I guess if you don't celebrate Christmas it wont really matter. Of course if you pre-order Swtor there will be an early access period.
BioWare, Co-Founder, and General Manager of the BioWare Label, Dr. Ray Muzyka had this to say,
In 1977, Lucasfilm created magic with the release of Star Wars. Our goal is to capture some of that magic when we go live with Star Wars: The Old Republic on December 20. This is an incredible moment for everyone at BioWare and our partners at...
BioWare, Co-Founder, and General Manager of the BioWare Label, Dr. Ray Muzyka had this to say,
In 1977, Lucasfilm created magic with the release of Star Wars. Our goal is to capture some of that magic when we go live with Star Wars: The Old Republic on December 20. This is an incredible moment for everyone at BioWare and our partners at...
- 9/24/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Star Wars: The Old Republic has been given a release date by BioWare. The massively-multiplayer PC title will be available from December 20 in North America and December 22 across Europe. Every copy will come with 30 days free play time, with a month's subscription costing £8.99 / $$14.99 per month, and discounted fees for bulk purchases. The news was unveiled by BioWare founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk at Eurogamer Expo 2011. Star Wars: The Old Republic has broken pre-order records for publisher Electronic Arts, which has warned that (more)...
- 9/24/2011
- by By Matthew Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Video game friendly network G4 launched G4 University Week, a video series designed to help job seekers crack into the video game industry. G4U features a "Complete Guide to Landing a Video Game Job," which includes school guides or programs like Singapore-mit Gambit Game Lab in Boston, The Gnomon Workshop, and The Guildhall at Smu, and a How-To section on becoming a professional in the video game industry, such as a producer, journalist, community manager, game artist, game tester, and eSports commentator. The comprehensive course also features job advice from Irrational Games' Ken Levine, Adam Sessler from G4tv and X-Play, and Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk from BioWare, among others, and also informative testimonies from working professionals from Bethesda Softworks, Blizzard Entertainment, and Guerilla Games, as well as composers, level designers and game testers from top games. And if that wasn't enough, there's a career...
- 9/20/2011
- by Drew Baldwin
- Tubefilter.com
BioWare founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk are to headline this year's Eurogamer Expo. The renowned game designers will hold a keynote panel to discuss upcoming Mmo Star Wars: The Old Republic at midday on Saturday, September 24. Eurogamer will feature a range of other keynote speeches, including CD Projekt Red's panel on The Witcher 2 for Xbox 360, an Assassin's Creed Revelations presentation from Ubisoft and Karl Magnus Troedsson of Dice on Battlefield 3. PlayStation Vita will also be playable (more)...
- 9/3/2011
- by By Mark Langshaw
- Digital Spy
Pick your jaw up off the floor, guys. Yes, it is geek darling Felicia Day in her elfin costume for her newest web series project, Dragon Age Redemption, inspired by the Bioware game franchise Dragon Age. Day is all hands-on for this project with writing the script, starring as an Elvish assassin, and co-producing the six-part series. Day is undoubtedly excited to reveal her next project:
“I’m a huge Dragon Age fan, and I have been looking for a follow up project to The Guild for quite some time. I was thrilled when the opportunity to work with BioWare materialized. Dragon Age: Redemption allows me to tell a fantasy story in a new way, using a universe I really love.”
In her blog, she talks about how this collaborative project came together out of the mutual passion for fantasy:
“I have had a Ton of opportunities to work with...
“I’m a huge Dragon Age fan, and I have been looking for a follow up project to The Guild for quite some time. I was thrilled when the opportunity to work with BioWare materialized. Dragon Age: Redemption allows me to tell a fantasy story in a new way, using a universe I really love.”
In her blog, she talks about how this collaborative project came together out of the mutual passion for fantasy:
“I have had a Ton of opportunities to work with...
- 2/16/2011
- by Lillian 'zenbitch' Standefer
- ScifiMafia
If you like Felicia Day, you'll love this. Otherwise, you'll proabably hate it. Because Felicia Day is in it.
Felicia Day is the actress from Buffy and Dr. Horrible, and she created the comedy web series The Guild (read our interview with her) about really weird World of Warcraft hardcore gamers. Now she's created a new web series called Dragon Age: Redemption, based on BioWare's role-playing Dragon Age video game series.
It will only be 6 episodes, but Day wrote and stars in all of them, and it's set in Ferelden, the land of Dragon Age. Basically, it stars her as "Tallis", an Elven assassin.
"Tallis is headstrong, she fights dirty, and she has a really sarcastic sense of humor," says Felicia (in some kind of BioWare press release). "I wanted to bring a modern sensibility to a fantasy character in a fantasy world".
I'm not sure what that means,...
Felicia Day is the actress from Buffy and Dr. Horrible, and she created the comedy web series The Guild (read our interview with her) about really weird World of Warcraft hardcore gamers. Now she's created a new web series called Dragon Age: Redemption, based on BioWare's role-playing Dragon Age video game series.
It will only be 6 episodes, but Day wrote and stars in all of them, and it's set in Ferelden, the land of Dragon Age. Basically, it stars her as "Tallis", an Elven assassin.
"Tallis is headstrong, she fights dirty, and she has a really sarcastic sense of humor," says Felicia (in some kind of BioWare press release). "I wanted to bring a modern sensibility to a fantasy character in a fantasy world".
I'm not sure what that means,...
- 2/16/2011
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
Felicia Day, the always-lovely creator/writer/star of web series "The Guild," is a safe bet for ensuring gamers pay attention to whatever it is you happen to be peddling. In this case, BioWare is doing the peddling, which I know you like. Day is set to star in a "Dragon Age" web series, one that she also wrote.
"Dragon Age: Redemption" spins off from the story in "Dragon Age 2," USA Today reports. Day wrote the story for a character of her own creation, an Elven assassin named Tallis. "Tallis is headstrong, she fights dirty, and she has a really sarcastic sense of humor," the writer/star said. "I wanted to bring a modern sensibility to a fantasy character in a fantasy world."
BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk is thrilled with the collaboration. "We are really, really excited to work with people like her who have a passion and appreciation for...
"Dragon Age: Redemption" spins off from the story in "Dragon Age 2," USA Today reports. Day wrote the story for a character of her own creation, an Elven assassin named Tallis. "Tallis is headstrong, she fights dirty, and she has a really sarcastic sense of humor," the writer/star said. "I wanted to bring a modern sensibility to a fantasy character in a fantasy world."
BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk is thrilled with the collaboration. "We are really, really excited to work with people like her who have a passion and appreciation for...
- 2/15/2011
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Multiplayer
Last night, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences held its 14th annual Interactive Achievement Awards in Las Vegas. They're a little like the Spike TV Video Game Awards, only with more respect and less misfired attempts at entertaining the gaming community. The top prize of the night, Game of the Year, went to BioWare's "Mass Effect 2," though Rockstar Games' "Red Dead Redemption" had a better overall showing, with five awards earned.
In addition to GotY, the BioWare role-playing game also picked up honors for Outstanding Achievement in Story and Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year. "Red Dead," on the other hand, nabbed Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction (deservedly, I might add), Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering, Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance, Outstanding Achievement in in Game Direction and Action Game of the Year.
So... achievement unlocked then, right?
PlayStation 3-exclusive adventure "Heavy Rain" and indie beaut "Limbo" also got some love.
In addition to GotY, the BioWare role-playing game also picked up honors for Outstanding Achievement in Story and Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year. "Red Dead," on the other hand, nabbed Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction (deservedly, I might add), Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering, Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance, Outstanding Achievement in in Game Direction and Action Game of the Year.
So... achievement unlocked then, right?
PlayStation 3-exclusive adventure "Heavy Rain" and indie beaut "Limbo" also got some love.
- 2/11/2011
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Multiplayer
BioWare has admitted that the iPhone-exclusive Mass Effect Galaxy was a "mistake". In an interview with VideoGamer, co-founder Greg Zeschuk said that the studio has learned from the experience, following the game's negative reception. "Maybe it wasn't even a mistake as much as we took a guess, our guess was wrong, and we learned something in the process - that the fundamental tactile gameplay is actually the key thing on the platform," he said, concluding that "it was very worth doing". When asked whether the firm will continue to support the iPhone, Zeschuk (more)...
- 8/1/2010
- by By Mark Langshaw
- Digital Spy
BioWare has thus far remained true to their commitment to a "continued stream of Dlc" for "Mass Effect 2," and they plan to continue on course, even after their "Kasumi" and "Overlord" packs. In fact, BioWare says there are still "big plans" left to be realized with "ME2" before they release the "Return of the Jedi" of their trilogy.
"We still have more Dlc in the plan for 'Mass 2,'" BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk told VG247. "The last ones were really well received. People were really, really impressed with the Overlord Pack, and the Kasumi one did really well too."
There will eventually be an endgame, though, which Zeschuk freely admits. The frequency of BioWare's Dlc releases could decrease as well, but they will keep on coming for the time being.
"It's at the point where it'll probably diminish a little bit, but there are still some pretty big plans for Dlc,...
"We still have more Dlc in the plan for 'Mass 2,'" BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk told VG247. "The last ones were really well received. People were really, really impressed with the Overlord Pack, and the Kasumi one did really well too."
There will eventually be an endgame, though, which Zeschuk freely admits. The frequency of BioWare's Dlc releases could decrease as well, but they will keep on coming for the time being.
"It's at the point where it'll probably diminish a little bit, but there are still some pretty big plans for Dlc,...
- 7/14/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
Legendary Pictures reports it is developing the Electronic Arts/Bioware video game series "Mass Effect" into a feature film. The film will fall under Legendary's co-production/co-financing agreement with Warner Bros., who will distribute the film worldwide.
Producers are in discussions with Mark Protosevich ("Thor") to draft a screenplay based on the game series for Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni who will produce the film with Avi and Ari Arad. BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk will serve as executive producers with Casey Hudson.
"...BioWare’s epic science fiction series takes place in the year 2183 and follows 'Commander Shepard' of the 'SS Normandy' who leads a team on a mission to defeat an ancient alien race that invades the galaxy every 50,000 years, wiping out all organic life..."
“Mass Effect is a tremendous property ripe for translation to the big screen,” said Thomas Tull, Chairman/CEO of Legendary Pictures.
Producers are in discussions with Mark Protosevich ("Thor") to draft a screenplay based on the game series for Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni who will produce the film with Avi and Ari Arad. BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk will serve as executive producers with Casey Hudson.
"...BioWare’s epic science fiction series takes place in the year 2183 and follows 'Commander Shepard' of the 'SS Normandy' who leads a team on a mission to defeat an ancient alien race that invades the galaxy every 50,000 years, wiping out all organic life..."
“Mass Effect is a tremendous property ripe for translation to the big screen,” said Thomas Tull, Chairman/CEO of Legendary Pictures.
- 5/26/2010
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Mass Effect movie rights were officially picked up by Legendary Pictures. And yes, that means that finally this sci-fi epic set in the year 2183 is coming!
The movie is still in early development, but guys from Legendary Pics are currently in talks with script writer Mark Protosevich (who was in charge for projects I Am Legend, Thor, The Cell) to pen the Sci-Fi epic set in space.
Mass Effect is an action role – playing game developed by BioWare for the Xbox 360. Here’s the Mass Effect synopsis: “a sci-fi epic set in the year 2183, that centers on a war hero named Commander Shepard. Shepard become embroiled in a plot that involves an extinct race of aliens, mysterious beacons, an invasion of sentient robots known as the Geth, and a rogue black-ops agent called Saren.
To make things worse, humans are third-class citizens in this future, so few want to help or trust Shepard.
The movie is still in early development, but guys from Legendary Pics are currently in talks with script writer Mark Protosevich (who was in charge for projects I Am Legend, Thor, The Cell) to pen the Sci-Fi epic set in space.
Mass Effect is an action role – playing game developed by BioWare for the Xbox 360. Here’s the Mass Effect synopsis: “a sci-fi epic set in the year 2183, that centers on a war hero named Commander Shepard. Shepard become embroiled in a plot that involves an extinct race of aliens, mysterious beacons, an invasion of sentient robots known as the Geth, and a rogue black-ops agent called Saren.
To make things worse, humans are third-class citizens in this future, so few want to help or trust Shepard.
- 5/25/2010
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
Legendary Pictures has announced that it’s optioned the film rights to the EA and Bioware sci-fi video game series Mass Effect. Writer Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend, Thor) is in talks to write the script. Legendary’s Thomas Tull called Mass Effect “ripe for translation,” saying it had “depth, compelling characters and an engaging back story.”
Check out the game trailer and full press release below for more details.
Trailer: Mass Effect 2
Press Release:
Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Legendary Pictures, whose successful co-productions include The Dark Knight, 300, Clash of the Titans, The Hangover and Watchmen, has acquired theatrical feature film rights to the hit videogame franchise, Mass Effect. The project will also fall under Legendary’s co-production and co-financing agreement with Warner Bros., who will distribute the film worldwide. The producers are in discussions with Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend, Thor) to draft a screenplay based on...
Check out the game trailer and full press release below for more details.
Trailer: Mass Effect 2
Press Release:
Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Legendary Pictures, whose successful co-productions include The Dark Knight, 300, Clash of the Titans, The Hangover and Watchmen, has acquired theatrical feature film rights to the hit videogame franchise, Mass Effect. The project will also fall under Legendary’s co-production and co-financing agreement with Warner Bros., who will distribute the film worldwide. The producers are in discussions with Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend, Thor) to draft a screenplay based on...
- 5/25/2010
- by Jason Moore
- ScifiMafia
Legendary Pictures have announced that it will develop Electronic Arts and Bioware's insanely addictive video game series 'Mass Effect' into a feature film, Fox news will not be happy. Mass Effect is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare for the Xbox 360/PC.
The game takes place in the year 2183, with the player, assuming the role of an elite human soldier named Commander Shepard, setting out to explore the Galaxy on a starship, the Ssv Normandy. 2 of the proposed trilogy of been released with massive success. The official statement is below:
Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Legendary Pictures, whose successful co-productions include The Dark Knight, 300, Clash of the Titans, The Hangover and Watchmen, has acquired theatrical feature film rights to the hit videogame franchise, Mass Effect. The project will also fall under Legendary's co-production and co-financing agreement with Warner Bros., who will distribute the film worldwide.
The game takes place in the year 2183, with the player, assuming the role of an elite human soldier named Commander Shepard, setting out to explore the Galaxy on a starship, the Ssv Normandy. 2 of the proposed trilogy of been released with massive success. The official statement is below:
Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that Legendary Pictures, whose successful co-productions include The Dark Knight, 300, Clash of the Titans, The Hangover and Watchmen, has acquired theatrical feature film rights to the hit videogame franchise, Mass Effect. The project will also fall under Legendary's co-production and co-financing agreement with Warner Bros., who will distribute the film worldwide.
- 5/25/2010
- by noreply@blogger.com (Flicks News)
- FlicksNews.net
Another popular video game has been picked up by Hollywood, and I'm surprised that it has taken so long. Electronic Arts' popular vidgame Mass Effect will make its way to the silverscreen with the help of Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros.
Mass Effect Movie Coming
Created by EA's BioWare subsidiary, Mass Effect takes place in the year 2183 and follows a team on a mission to defeat an ancient alien race that invades the galaxy every 50,000 years and wipes out all organic life.
To make sure the game gets a proper adaptation, BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk will exec produce along with Mass Effect executive producer Casey Hudson.
Mass Effect Movie Coming
Created by EA's BioWare subsidiary, Mass Effect takes place in the year 2183 and follows a team on a mission to defeat an ancient alien race that invades the galaxy every 50,000 years and wipes out all organic life.
To make sure the game gets a proper adaptation, BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk will exec produce along with Mass Effect executive producer Casey Hudson.
- 5/25/2010
- www.canmag.com
Legendary Pictures has picked up feature rights to Electronic Arts' video game franchise "Mass Effect" and "I Am Legend" writer Mark Protosevich ("I Am Legend") is in talks to pen the screenplay. The project will be developed under Legendary's co-production and co-financing agreement with Warner Bros. Story is set in the year 2183 and tells of a team on a mission to defeat an ancient alien race that invades the galaxy every 50,000 years, wiping out all organic life. Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni will produce via Legendary along with Avi Arad and Ari Arad. BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk will serve as executive producers with "Mass Effect" executive producer Casey Hudson.
- 5/25/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
>>Michael Bay has gone from director to producer in his short career such as with his Platinum Dunes production company and he continues to attach himself to some epic productions such as I Am Number Four but now he is attached to a fantasy epic known as Gideon’s Sword. Variety is reporting that Paramount has optioned the upcoming novel Gideon’s Sword for Bay to produce through his Bay Films production company. The novel was written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child and was said to be the first novel in the new “Gideon’s Crew” book franchise. The storyline for the novel is being kept under wraps but the novel will be published by Grand Central Publishing next February. This is the second novel Bay is producing before it has been published.
>>Bay’s mentor, Jerry Bruckheimer is continuing to wield his own productions and his relationship with Walt Disney Pictures.
>>Bay’s mentor, Jerry Bruckheimer is continuing to wield his own productions and his relationship with Walt Disney Pictures.
- 5/25/2010
- by Kevin Coll
- FusedFilm
Way back in September of 2008, Avi Arad, ex-ceo of Marvel studios, optioned the movie rights to the 2007 hit game Mass Effect. Being one of my all-time favorite games, I was both happy and concerned.
Mass Effect told a wonderful story, in a brand new and original sci-fi universe with lovable and well thought-out characters. The way the game was presented, notably during conversations and cutscenes, was very cinematic with a clear emphasis on showcasing the beautifully rendered graphics and character animations as if it were a film.
This would definitely make for one amazing film franchise, except for the fact that all video game movies suck. Legendary Pictures looks to change that by optioning the rights to EA and BioWare’s Mass Effect, with Warner Bros. set to distribute the film. They’re already looking at a writer to pen the script.
As I always say, video games based on...
Mass Effect told a wonderful story, in a brand new and original sci-fi universe with lovable and well thought-out characters. The way the game was presented, notably during conversations and cutscenes, was very cinematic with a clear emphasis on showcasing the beautifully rendered graphics and character animations as if it were a film.
This would definitely make for one amazing film franchise, except for the fact that all video game movies suck. Legendary Pictures looks to change that by optioning the rights to EA and BioWare’s Mass Effect, with Warner Bros. set to distribute the film. They’re already looking at a writer to pen the script.
As I always say, video games based on...
- 5/25/2010
- by Rob Keyes
- GameRant
BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk said that "Mass Effect 2" was designed to be the "Empire Strikes Back" of the Mass Effect trilogy, and that assessment sounds like it rang true for at least one high-profile game developer. Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, who recently stormed late-night television to unveil "Gears of War 3," believes BioWare's series will have a similar impact as George Lucas' quintessential blockbuster.
"The thing that was cool was that Mass Effect is kind of an RPG for me, with the cover-based shooting. I think there's a reason why it's been successful. Because gamers love Gears," Bleszinski told Gamasutra. "Here's something that's like Gears, but even has more depth, and a different setting. It's Star Wars for this new generation."
The Star Wars comparison is a tough one to make, though there is definitely a discussion to be had there. As far as the way the...
"The thing that was cool was that Mass Effect is kind of an RPG for me, with the cover-based shooting. I think there's a reason why it's been successful. Because gamers love Gears," Bleszinski told Gamasutra. "Here's something that's like Gears, but even has more depth, and a different setting. It's Star Wars for this new generation."
The Star Wars comparison is a tough one to make, though there is definitely a discussion to be had there. As far as the way the...
- 5/14/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
When dealing with the enormity that is the "Star Wars" franchise, a lot can go wrong. Thankfully BioWare seems to have things well in-hand, as least when it comes to their prequel timeline and the "Old Republic" series of games. But LucasArts is always there to lend a helping hand if there's ever a question on what they can and can't do.
For example, here's rule number one for making a "Star Wars" game set before the movies, as told by Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, the co-founders of BioWare:
Greg: They had very specific rules for us when we started the original 'Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.' 'Don't blow anything up we'll use later.' We've been sticking to that, that's good advice.
Ray: Any planets in the movies, you can't blow 'em up. Seriously, that's actually one of the things that we got early on.
For example, here's rule number one for making a "Star Wars" game set before the movies, as told by Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, the co-founders of BioWare:
Greg: They had very specific rules for us when we started the original 'Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.' 'Don't blow anything up we'll use later.' We've been sticking to that, that's good advice.
Ray: Any planets in the movies, you can't blow 'em up. Seriously, that's actually one of the things that we got early on.
- 3/23/2010
- by Russ Frushtick
- MTV Multiplayer
"Mass Effect 3" probably won't be out until the end of 2011 at the earliest, though BioWare already knows quite a bit about what they want to include in the "Return of the Jedi" of their trilogy. The studio has hefty Dlc plans in the meantime, but they think they have some surprises in store for the story's conclusion.
"We've got some tricks up our sleeves," BioWare CEO and general manager Ray Muzyka told Ugo.com. "We have new tricks."
Muzyka's response came as a direct answer to how players with port over their characters given the in-story options for changing class and other aspects in "ME2." Some of those tricks may not exist yet, and some may be recycled from previous ideas. In fact, aspects of "ME2" evolved the same way from unused features in "ME1."
"A lot of the features in 'Mass Effect 2' came directly from player feedback, and...
"We've got some tricks up our sleeves," BioWare CEO and general manager Ray Muzyka told Ugo.com. "We have new tricks."
Muzyka's response came as a direct answer to how players with port over their characters given the in-story options for changing class and other aspects in "ME2." Some of those tricks may not exist yet, and some may be recycled from previous ideas. In fact, aspects of "ME2" evolved the same way from unused features in "ME1."
"A lot of the features in 'Mass Effect 2' came directly from player feedback, and...
- 3/19/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
With the release of Mass Effect 2 today, Bioware pushes further into digital content. "We are trying to create an ongoing digital strategy around connecting with players," said Dr. Greg Zeschuk, cofounder of Bioware. The game is launching with the Cerberus Network, an in-game channel for the company to connect with players, sharing with them free downloads and news from Bioware. "In a player's perspective, they just put a code in and get some stuff. It's also a channel for us to communicate with the player. Just that ability to open a channel with them, your most engaged and interested fans, is pretty valuable."
While Cerberus Network will be free, Zeschuk said that not all downloads will be. "We are going to still put bigger pieces up for sale." An example of such sizeable downloadable content (Dlc) could be found in the developer's fantasy epic, Dragon Age. Though successful enough to...
While Cerberus Network will be free, Zeschuk said that not all downloads will be. "We are going to still put bigger pieces up for sale." An example of such sizeable downloadable content (Dlc) could be found in the developer's fantasy epic, Dragon Age. Though successful enough to...
- 1/26/2010
- by Kevin Ohannessian
- Fast Company
For those of you who thought plugging into the Cerberus System in Mass Effect 2 would be your only way to access Dlc, have I got some news for you. In an interview with Joystiq, Bioware’s Dr. Greg Zeschuk has given us a few more details on how Dlc for the highly-anticipated title will work (Check out the epic Mass Effect 2 launch trailer here). Apparently, there will be two types of Dlc–the kind you get for free through the Cerberus Network and the kind you pay for that will be distributed through BioWare on the PC and Xbox Live on the Xbox 360.
This doesn’t really change much in the scheme of things. Those who purchase the game new will still get their free Mass Effect 2 Dlc through Cerberus and have to pay for any other Dlc. Those who want to get the game used will still have to...
This doesn’t really change much in the scheme of things. Those who purchase the game new will still get their free Mass Effect 2 Dlc through Cerberus and have to pay for any other Dlc. Those who want to get the game used will still have to...
- 1/22/2010
- by Paul Sileo
- GameRant
During a podcasting session, BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk has gone on record saying that the Mass Effect universe will not go away after the release of Mass Effect 3, citing the franchise as a “valuable universe.”
Very exciting news for many gamers, I’m sure, myself included. I would hate to see this incredibly expansive world go to waste after the initial set of games have been completed.
In addition, Zeschuk confirmed the ability to import your character from Mass Effect 2 to Mass Effect 3 (and subsequently how your actions from the previous games will impact the world in the final chapter of the trilogy).
“…to the point where some of the decisions you made in 1 you’ll see the result in 3. It’s actually interestingly impactful in that folks who have stuck with the franchise the entire time, there will be stuff that you will feel is yours that you’ve created in that third iteration.
Very exciting news for many gamers, I’m sure, myself included. I would hate to see this incredibly expansive world go to waste after the initial set of games have been completed.
In addition, Zeschuk confirmed the ability to import your character from Mass Effect 2 to Mass Effect 3 (and subsequently how your actions from the previous games will impact the world in the final chapter of the trilogy).
“…to the point where some of the decisions you made in 1 you’ll see the result in 3. It’s actually interestingly impactful in that folks who have stuck with the franchise the entire time, there will be stuff that you will feel is yours that you’ve created in that third iteration.
- 1/21/2010
- by Trung Bui
- GameRant
BioWare wants "Mass Effect 2" to be both darker and harder than its predecessor, and the studio's co-founder Greg Zeschuk wants one classic space opera to be the benchmark for its continuing story. "Star Wars" traded the sandy, sunset-glazed atmosphere of Tatooine for the barren snow of Hoth and the blackness of space in "The Empire Strikes Back." Zeschuk wants to reflect the same sea change in the second "Mass Effect."
"If you recall, 'Empire Strikes Back' was the darker chapter and that is how we designed the 'ME2' story and experience: to try and make the player reflect on the challenges of the character," Zeschuk told IGN. "If you put 'ME2' next to the original it is definitely a darker, harder game."
The second chapter in BioWare's trilogy follows Commander Shepard shortly after the first game's conclusion as he travels the galaxy to assemble a team of skilled agents,...
"If you recall, 'Empire Strikes Back' was the darker chapter and that is how we designed the 'ME2' story and experience: to try and make the player reflect on the challenges of the character," Zeschuk told IGN. "If you put 'ME2' next to the original it is definitely a darker, harder game."
The second chapter in BioWare's trilogy follows Commander Shepard shortly after the first game's conclusion as he travels the galaxy to assemble a team of skilled agents,...
- 10/9/2009
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
Role-playing series Mass Effect could be more than a trilogy, developer BioWare has revealed. Speaking with 360Zine, the studio's vice president Dr. Greg Zeschuk confirmed that it may continue to invest in the RPG franchise if the second and third games perform well. "We've said Mass Effect is supposed to be a trilogy," he said. "So you're going to see at least a third Mass Effect, and even more if everything goes well." Zeschuk previously said (more)...
- 7/16/2009
- by By Mark Langshaw
- Digital Spy
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