"Anthem failure won't mean the end of BioWare"

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,080
136
It really bothers me that EA keeps buying up studios and ruining them.
It also bothers me that one really bad game could in theory, shut down a company.
 

EXCellR8

Diamond Member
Sep 1, 2010
4,029
867
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I'm surprised they're still going honestly, especially after Andromeda bombed. My first impressions of Anthem screamed a Destiny ripoff but according to the developers EA didn't force their hand in making it. Who knows, maybe they'll make something good again...
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
I'm surprised they're still going honestly, especially after Andromeda bombed. My first impressions of Anthem screamed a Destiny ripoff but according to the developers EA didn't force their hand in making it. Who knows, maybe they'll make something good again...

Bioware is not the same company that gave us Knights of the Old Republic or Baldur's Gate. I also think it's hilarious that people are expecting branching story lines, multiple dialog choices with consequences, and a user created story through interactions with NPCs in an online shooter. It's not gonna happen.
 

Tweak155

Lifer
Sep 23, 2003
11,448
262
126
Ok I'm a little behind the curve most likely... but I thought Anthem wasn't even released yet? Why are they focused on if it fails?
 

Red Hawk

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2011
3,266
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Ok I'm a little behind the curve most likely... but I thought Anthem wasn't even released yet? Why are they focused on if it fails?

They have been really hyping up Anthem for the last couple years, and between the clearly high production value and the delays, it's got to be racking up a monster budget. If it bombs, heads are going to roll. And EA has a pattern of pushing studios to make expensive, lowest common denominator games, and then shuttering the studios if they don't put out massive hits. BioWare already had a dud with Mass Effect Andromeda, so the ice they're on its already rather thin.

Some former BioWare fans are probably hoping for the studio's demise, after being continually disappointed by their recent output. Not me though; I didn't care for Andromeda, but I genuinely loved Dragon Age Inquisition. It wasn't perfect, but it was still a lot of fun for me, and I really want to see the story continue after the sort of cliffhanger in the Trespasser DLC. I'm really concerned for Dragon Age if Anthem bombs, though. Inquisition did well with sales and critics and seemed to reinvigorate the fanbase after the underwhelming Dragon Age 2, so I doubt EA will kill the franchise entirely even if they close down BioWare. But there could be untold effects on the next game's development.

So, I'm left in the odd position of hoping I game I don't have any particular interest in - Anthem - does well, to ensure that a game I do want - the next Dragon Age - has a smooth development.
 
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EXCellR8

Diamond Member
Sep 1, 2010
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Bioware is not the same company that gave us Knights of the Old Republic or Baldur's Gate.

That may be true, but both Dragon Age and the original Mass Effect and it's sequel did very well; were mostly praised by gamers of all ages. Of course it's pretty easy to knock any future projects, given their more recent efforts, but we can't really set any bars when it's still in development and any projected outcome is purely speculative at this time.
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
That may be true, but both Dragon Age and the original Mass Effect and it's sequel did very well; were mostly praised by gamers of all ages. Of course it's pretty easy to knock any future projects, given their more recent efforts, but we can't really set any bars when it's still in development and any projected outcome is purely speculative at this time.

What I’m saying is people on some forums are making this out to be more of a return to form for Bioware and to go back to their roots in the RPG world but it just can’t happen through an online shooter. The expectations some have are simply unreasonable.
 
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bguile

Senior member
Nov 30, 2011
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They have been really hyping up Anthem for the last couple years, and between the clearly high production value and the delays, it's got to be racking up a monster budget. If it bombs, heads are going to roll. And EA has a pattern of pushing studios to make expensive, lowest common denominator games, and then shuttering the studios if they don't put out massive hits. BioWare already had a dud with Mass Effect Andromeda, so the ice they're on its already rather thin.

Some former BioWare fans are probably hoping for the studio's demise, after being continually disappointed by their recent output. Not me though; I didn't care for Andromeda, but I genuinely loved Dragon Age Inquisition. It wasn't perfect, but it was still a lot of fun for me, and I really want to see the story continue after the sort of cliffhanger in the Trespasser DLC. I'm really concerned for Dragon Age of Anthem bombs, though. Inquisition did well with sales and critics and seemed to reinvigorate the fanbase after the underwhelming Dragon Age 2, so I doubt EA will kill the franchise entirely even if they close down BioWare. But there could be untold effects on the next game's development.

So, I'm left in the odd position of hoping I game I don't have any particular interest in - Anthem - does well, to ensure that a game I do want - the next Dragon Age - has a smooth development.

My sentiments exactly. I liked Andromeda at first, but it got old quick. I've always like the Dragon Age Series, but Inquisition was on a different level all together. It had lots of faults, but I still love it. I've played it three or four times now with various characters, and finished it twice. I am very worried about Anthem, because I really want to see what happens in the next dragon age game. From what I've heard they have started some early work on it, but Anthem is taking almost all their resources, and will continue to do so for awhile.
 
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BarneyBunch

Junior Member
Jul 3, 2018
11
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I'm just hoping that Anthem isn't as much of a disappointment as Destiny 2. I highly doubt that BioWare is going to put a lot of great RPG elements into Anthem like their previous good games, but hopefully they bring something to the table that Destiny 2 couldn't. Definitely waiting till after release to get the game though. I want to see how the reviews are and what the general consensus of the game is before getting into it.
 
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Ackmed

Diamond Member
Oct 1, 2003
8,498
560
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This game looks very good, hopefully is mostly as good at it looks. I am partial to jet packs, so looking forward to it.

Destiny 2 did suck to me, compared to the first.
 

EXCellR8

Diamond Member
Sep 1, 2010
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What scares me is the high probability of micro-transactions and paid DLC packs that release two weeks after the base game.

I mostly liked Destiny 2, even more so on PC, but there are always ways to improve a formula.
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
What scares me is the high probability of micro-transactions and paid DLC packs that release two weeks after the base game.

I mostly liked Destiny 2, even more so on PC, but there are always ways to improve a formula.

Yep and Forsaken will make or break Destiny I think. It will be the last straw.
 

NTMBK

Lifer
Nov 14, 2011
10,397
5,624
136
I'm still bitter that Andromeda got thrown under the bus so that they could focus on Anthem. No single player DLC? Bah.
 

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
What scares me is the high probability of micro-transactions and paid DLC packs that release two weeks after the base game.

I mostly liked Destiny 2, even more so on PC, but there are always ways to improve a formula.
The industry as a whole is mostly moving away from bad loot box micro transactions after the backlash this past year and earlier this year. That doesn't mean DLC but at least no more stupid loot boxes which are just the worst.

And I honestly don't mind DLC. You're not forced to buy it. If you're not sure, wait until the DLC gets released to buy it.
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
The industry as a whole is mostly moving away from bad loot box micro transactions after the backlash this past year and earlier this year. That doesn't mean DLC but at least no more stupid loot boxes which are just the worst.

And I honestly don't mind DLC. You're not forced to buy it. If you're not sure, wait until the DLC gets released to buy it.

For a game that is to be played online I expect DLC and expansions. New zones to explore, pvp maps, weapons, quests etc.

Loot boxes though...terrible. I mean if the game is completely free and that is the only way they make money like fortnight then I guess I don’t mind but to pay $60 for a game and then have micro transactions built in is a slap in the face.
 
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EXCellR8

Diamond Member
Sep 1, 2010
4,029
867
136
I remember when games sold and people bought them based just on them being good... well, I mean I just barely remember.