Following news of the closure of BioWare, which has served as a cornerstone of Western RPGs for over 30 years, prominent figures across the gaming and cultural sectors are voicing sharp criticism. In particular, game developer Warren Spector, renowned for titles such as 'Deus Ex' and 'System Shock,' launched a fierce critique directly pointing to executive responsibility for the decision to shutter the studio.
Warren Spector shared his position on BioWare's closure via LinkedIn on October 22. He began his post by noting that while he usually tries to refrain from cursing in public, this was one occasion where he did not want to hold back his emotions.
"BioWare is more than just another studio. For decades, it's played a central role in the history of our medium. They, for many years, as effectively as any studio, married art and commerce. Their work changed things."
He went on to criticize the shutdown as a historically shocking event, stating that anyone who participated in the decision should be ashamed. Spector's reaction drew significant attention, particularly because the developer—normally known for his measured public remarks—used unusually blunt language.
The crux of the criticism went beyond the studio closure itself to the question of who ultimately takes responsibility. Spector highlighted the reality where the consequences of executive decisions are borne by the developers who actually make the games, questioning why those participating in the decision-making shouldn't be the ones losing their jobs instead.
"What do you contribute to gaming? What price do you pay for failure? Why is it always the do-ers and makers who pay the price?"
The backlash surrounding BioWare's closure was not limited to game developers. Hugo Award-winning sci-fi and fantasy author N. K. Jemisin, best known for 'The Broken Earth' trilogy, also mourned the shuttering of BioWare via Bluesky.
Jemisin shared that the 'Mass Effect' and 'Dragon Age' series provided genuine inspiration for her creative work. Reflecting on making lifelong friends through 'Mass Effect 3' multiplayer in particular, she praised the work of BioWare writer Jennifer Hepler and voice actress Jennifer Hale.
She expressed frustration with current events in the gaming industry, likening the industry's trajectory to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. Her point was that the industry itself is eroding the creative achievements and value that gaming as a medium has built up over many years.
Meanwhile, EA officially announced the closure of BioWare studio and its Edmonton, Canada office on October 21. As a result, the next 'Mass Effect' project, which was in early development, was also canceled. BioWare had previously developed titles such as 'Baldur's Gate', 'Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic', 'Dragon Age', and 'Mass Effect'.
