BioWare did something completely different when they took on the online world with their latest IP Anthem and though many are enjoying the free-flying title, the launch and subsequent silence has been less than pleasant for the studio. Though many updates have gone live since the game launched, there are still concerns about the title’s support and whether the promised content is still coming down the pipeline. Because of that, BioWare’s Casey Hudson has taken to the studio’s blog to confirm that a total rework is in the cards.
“One year ago, we were preparing to launch Anthem – a game that represented a big leap into new territory for us as a studio,” said Hudson in the most recent blog post detailing the road so far. “It was an exhilarating and terrifying experience to go out to the world with something new and different, and we are grateful to all the players who have come along with us on the journey. It has been a thrill for us to see the creativity of our players in designing customized Javelins, and watching them master Anthem’s flying and fighting gameplay. I am so proud of the work the team has put into this game, and at the same time there’s so much more that we – and you – would have wanted from it.”
The road post-launch has been a hard one, one met with scathing criticisms and even people going as far as to demand BioWare’s closure (which we do not agree with in the slightest). BioWare is aware of these concerns and is taking in constructive feedback. It’s because of that feedback that they’ve now got a plan in place to start over, much like how Hello Games did with No Man’s Sky.
Hudson added:
“Over the last year, the team has worked hard to improve stability, performance and general quality of life while delivering three seasons of new content and features. We have also heard your feedback that Anthem needs a more satisfying loot experience, better long-term progression and a more fulfilling end game. So we recognize that there’s still more fundamental work to be done to bring out the full potential of the experience, and it will require a more substantial reinvention than an update or expansion. Over the coming months we will be focusing on a longer-term redesign of the experience, specifically working to reinvent the core gameplay loop with clear goals, motivating challenges and progression with meaningful rewards – while preserving the fun of flying and fighting in a vast science-fantasy setting. And to do that properly we’ll be doing something we’d like to have done more of the first time around – giving a focused team the time to test and iterate, focusing on gameplay first.”
The current version of Anthem is still updated and ready to roll but they are going to be taking a small break from the full seasons so that they can better use those resources for the full Anthem rework. Hudson ended his letter to fans by saying “Creating new worlds is central to our studio mission, but it’s not easy. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes we miss. What keeps us going is the support from players like you. Your feedback gives us guidance on how we can improve, and your passion inspires us with the courage to create. I look forward to working together with your involvement and feedback towards the best possible future for Anthem. ”
