Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BioWare doctors to receive GDCA Lifetime Achievement award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/bioware-doctors-to-receive-gdca-lifetime-achievement-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/bioware-doctors-to-receive-gdca-lifetime-achievement-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/bioware-doctors-to-receive-gdca-lifetime-achievement-award/#comments The Game Developers Conference announced BioWare co-founders Drs. Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk as the winners of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award. At the GDCAs on March 27, the doctors are to be honored with one of the industry's most prestigious prizes, won previously by such luminaries as Shigeru Miyamoto, Will Wright, and Hideo Kojima.

"The BioWare doctors are truly a unique breed," said Meggan Scavio, General Manager of GDC events. "Not only have they created some of the most emotionally-engaging and beloved games ever made, they are two of the most passionate, engaging, just all-around nice guys anyone could be fortunate enough to meet... There's no denying the deep footprint Ray and Greg have made, and how much their dedication and leadership will be missed in our industry."

18 years ago, the two recently graduated Canadian doctors, along with Augustine Yip, forged a studio that went on to shape Western role-playing games for nearly two decades. Under their leadership, BioWare transformed from a close-knit studio of dozens into a worldwide force of hundreds. That's largely been down to the consistent quality and popularity of the games they've made, including the likes of Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect.

We caught up with Dr. Zeschuk recently to see what beers he'd pair with particular game genres. We're sure he'll have a certain tipple in mind for when he and Dr. Muzyka celebrate their award, and whatever that proves to be, it'll certainly be well deserved.

JoystiqBioWare doctors to receive GDCA Lifetime Achievement award originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbiowaregdc-2013gdca-13greg-zeschuklifetime-achievement-awardray-muzykaTue, 12 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare GM outlines new Mass Effect, original game after upheaval]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bioware-gm-outlines-new-mass-effect-original-game-after-upheava/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bioware-gm-outlines-new-mass-effect-original-game-after-upheava/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bioware-gm-outlines-new-mass-effect-original-game-after-upheava/#comments BioWare GM outlines new Mass Effect, original games after upheavalAaryn Flynn, General Manager of BioWare Edmonton and Montreal, doesn't want fans to worry about passion or creativity within the studio following the retirement of BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk.

"I know this might be concerning for some of you but the leaders at BioWare have had some time to think about it - to think about how the games, the fans, and the creative teams would move on without the two guys who started this organization back in 1995," Flynn writes.

He outlines the projects coming from BioWare, noting yesterday's reveal of Dragon Age 3: Inquisition, which has executive producer Mark Darrah at the helm.

Casey Hudson, executive producer of the Mass Effect series, has plans for another full game within the Mass Effect universe. The next piece of DLC for Mass Effect 3 is Omega, due out in the fall.

Hudson is also creating a brand new game, Flynn says: "While Casey continues to oversee the development of our new Mass Effect project, he and his leads are putting together their vision for an all new game set in a fictional universe, built from the bottom-up with all new gaming technology."

Flynn closes the roundup with a nod to Muzyka and Zeschuk, and to BioWare as a resilient brand. "Ray and Greg built BioWare to last. They've always known their retirement would come one day, so they developed a team of people who would ensure their standards and culture would endure. We'll humbly carry that torch and continue learning in the process.

"To the Doctors: I wish you the very best, and we will always honor your legacy. The games we develop will always share your unique creativity and steadfast integrity."

JoystiqBioWare GM outlines new Mass Effect, original game after upheaval originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaryn-flynnBioWarecasey-hudsondragon-age-3greg-zeschukmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxTue, 18 Sep 2012 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare co-founders Greg Zeschuk, Ray Muzyka retiring from industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bioware-co-founders-greg-zeschuk-ray-muzyka-retiring-from-indus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bioware-co-founders-greg-zeschuk-ray-muzyka-retiring-from-indus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bioware-co-founders-greg-zeschuk-ray-muzyka-retiring-from-indus/#comments BioWare cofounders Greg Zeschuk, Ray Muzyka retiring from industryGreg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka, co-founders of BioWare in 1995, are leaving the studio to pursue careers outside of the video game industry. Zeschuk and Muzyka have written blogs explaining the situation.

Muzyka intends to enter the entrepreneurship field, writing, "I believe strongly in the power of free enterprise to enable sustainable change, so my next 'chapter' will likely focus on an entirely new industry, something exciting, different and frankly downright scary - investing in and mentoring new entrepreneurs, and more specifically, the field of social/impact investing."

Zeschuk describes his fading passion for the video game industry, noting that the people he's worked with over the years still inspire him. "After nearly twenty years working at BioWare I've decided it's time to move on and pursue something new. This decision isn't without significant pain and regret, but it's also something I know I need to do, for myself and my family. I've reached an unexpected point in my life where I no longer have the passion that I once did for the company, for the games, and for the challenge of creation."

That "something new" may be brewing craft beer, Zeschuk says.

"After my departure I'm going to be spending significant time with family and friends, as well as pursuing some personal passion-driven projects related to craft beer. The main project I will be working on is a web-based interview show called The Beer Diaries where I interview notable brewers and showcase their beers. If things go well, I'll work on other beer-related shows, apps and projects. If not, I'll have drunk a lot of tasty beers and may be back in games or even something else completely different. Ultimately time will tell."

Contacted for further comment, EA corporate communications simply pointed us to the blog post by the two doctors. All EA would say is that both are retiring form the gaming industry and both execs offer heartfelt thanks to their BioWare teams and EA.

JoystiqBioWare co-founders Greg Zeschuk, Ray Muzyka retiring from industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAgreg-zeschukray-muzykaretirementretiringTue, 18 Sep 2012 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC free this summer, offers 'further clarity to the ending']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc-free-this-summer-offers-furth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc-free-this-summer-offers-furth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc-free-this-summer-offers-furth/#comments EA this morning announced Mass Effect 3's "Extended Cut" DLC, which adds to the game's ending and will arrive for free at some point this summer. According to the publisher, the content will add "additional cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes," which will apparently offer fans "further clarity to the ending of Mass Effect 3" and "deeper insights into how their personal journey concludes."

The additional content comes as a response to a group of fans who felt the third game ended in an unsatisfactory manner. That outcry apparently had a serious effect at BioWare internally, as project lead Casey Hudson says the team has, "reprioritized [its] post-launch development efforts to provide the fans who want more closure with even more context and clarity to the ending of the game, in a way that will feel more personalized for each player."

No specific information is given about what said content will be, but we sure hope it means we won't see other DLC packs delayed or scrapped as a result. Studio co-founder Ray Muzyka notes,"With the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut we think we have struck a good balance in delivering the answers players are looking for while maintaining the team's artistic vision for the end of this story arc."

Extended Cut will arrive on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC "this summer." It will remain free for download until April 12, 2014, at which point who knows what'll happen.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC free this summer, offers 'further clarity to the ending' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecasey-hudsondlcdownloadable-contenteaea-biowareelectronic-artsextended-cutmass-effect-3mass-effect-3-extended-cutmicrosoftoriginpcplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxThu, 05 Apr 2012 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 player feedback spawns 'content initiatives,' details in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mass-effect-3-player-feedback-spawns-content-initiatives-deta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mass-effect-3-player-feedback-spawns-content-initiatives-deta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mass-effect-3-player-feedback-spawns-content-initiatives-deta/#comments BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka has become the latest company exec to address his constituents' myriad of complaints regarding Mass Effect 3's contentious ending. In addition to reiterating BioWare's company-wide policy on seeking out and consuming constructive criticism, Muzyka also gave a small bit of insight into the developer's plans for said feedback:

"Casey Hudson and the team are hard at work on a number of game content initiatives that will help answer the questions," he said, "providing more clarity for those seeking further closure to their journey. You'll hear more on this in April." Muzyka stressed that BioWare is actively working to maintain the story's artistic integrity, and that these new "content initiatives" are separate from the company's pre-existing plans to continue the Mass Effect universe's expansion. "Rest assured that your journey in the Mass Effect universe can, and will, continue."

JoystiqMass Effect 3 player feedback spawns 'content initiatives,' details in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDLCendingmass-effect-3ME3microsoftplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare Ireland is a 'kind of sister studio' to BioWare Austin, offering various levels of support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-ireland-is-a-kind-of-sister-studio-to-bioware-austin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-ireland-is-a-kind-of-sister-studio-to-bioware-austin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-ireland-is-a-kind-of-sister-studio-to-bioware-austin/#comments BioWare's Austin studio had some assistance in developing Star Wars: The Old Republic, which co-founders Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka have described in the past as a collaboration between BioWare Austin, Edmonton, and Mythic. As it turns out, BioWare Ireland is yet another crucial component of The Old Republic's development harem, assisting the game with "multiple dimensions of support," from quality assurance to localization to networking. And that may not be all that the Ireland studio will be up to in the coming years.

"That's where it is right now," Zeschuk told me, before he noted that "over time, we'll see." For now, the Galway-based office is primarily focused on making sure SW:TOR servers aren't crashing and players aren't furious. "It's really a reflection of how important we value the service," Muzyka added. "The commitment as a premium service subscription game is to support it with high quality service every step of the way." BioWare apparently thought that commitment serious enough to bring on approximately 400 new employees to man its Ireland location.

And with initial subscriber numbers still on the rise, it looks like that commitment will pay off, at least in the short term. In the long run, however ... well, let's just say it won't be shocking to see the Ireland studio transform into something more than strictly support.

JoystiqBioWare Ireland is a 'kind of sister studio' to BioWare Austin, offering various levels of support originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-irelandcustomer-serviceeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukpcquality-assuranceray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 02 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare docs defend subscription model, tease free-to-play iteration of classic IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/bioware-docs-defend-subscription-model-tease-free-to-play-itera/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/bioware-docs-defend-subscription-model-tease-free-to-play-itera/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/bioware-docs-defend-subscription-model-tease-free-to-play-itera/#comments Understandably, BioWare heads Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk seem tired of beating the drum for Star Wars: The Old Republic's subscription-based business model. I didn't actually bother asking them about their thoughts on subscription vs free-to-play gaming during an interview early last week, but Zeschuk launched into a spirited defense nonetheless, perhaps conditioned by being asked over and over in the run up to SW: TOR's launch last Monday.

"You look at the online space in general and it's fragmenting into all these different areas, but the core still works. The subscription model still works," Zeschuk said. "We know a lot of people say, 'Oh, everything's just going free-to-play.' But that's just one slice. There's one slice that's free-to-play, there's one slice that's social, there's traditional subscription still going." He was also quick to point out that, "it's obviously been the free-to-play guys trumpeting this," though his own company certainly isn't above working in the free-to-play space, as evidenced by Warhammer: Wrath of Heroes.

"I'm not saying it's better or worse. It just doesn't supplant the other things. 'Cause we can do some things no one else can," Zeschuk added. In his eyes, a free-to-play dev isn't able to throw the same amount of resources and time at an MMO project, and that marks a big differentiation between the two business models. "The free-to-play people can't invest to the level we can invest, and can't create something of the size and scale of something we can create," he said. The idea that free-to-play will take over all other MMO business models, he said is, "from a business perspective, ridiculous."

Continue reading BioWare docs defend subscription model, tease free-to-play iteration of classic IP

JoystiqBioWare docs defend subscription model, tease free-to-play iteration of classic IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinbioware-edmontonbioware-labelbioware-mythiceaea-biowareelectronic-artsfree-to-playgreg-zeschuknew-york-citynycpcplay-4-freeplay-for-freeray-muzykaWed, 28 Dec 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/bioware-docs-explain-how-to-stay-true-to-your-roots-while-massiv/#comments With eight (eight!) studios around the globe as of the end of 2011, BioWare label heads Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk have kind of a lot going on at any given time. When I spoke with them earlier this week at Times Square's NASDAQ building, though, they were remarkably calm after ringing the financial institution's opening bell (surrounded by and emblazoned in Star Wars accoutrement), and launching the six-years-in-development Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Beyond the aforementioned accomplishments, the doctors' division of EA has been rapidly expanding -- over just the last six months, BioWare has added a Sacramento office, a San Francisco office, and an Ireland office, to say nothing of "BioWare Victory," the studio heading up Command & Conquer: Generals 2. That's a whole lot of people (501 - 1000, approximately, according to LinkedIn)! How do two guys that started out with eight people in a studio apartment manage that kind of expansion without diluting the original values they began with?

BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka offered an explanation by way of example:
"You're seeing how we're doing that in The Old Republic. We're merging story in in a really seamless way. It doesn't feel tacked on or added, it's actually there from the ground floor. It's actually adding to the experience and increasing that emotional engagement, which, you go back to our vision, that's what it's all about. Building that emotional engagement."
The concept of "emotional engagement" was one that both Muzyka and his long-time business partner Dr. Greg Zeschuk touched on repeatedly during the interview. Muzyka called it a "pillar" of the label's vision, but also emphasized that story -- BioWare's traditional method for engaging players on an emotional level -- isn't the only way to evoke an emotional response from players.

Continue reading BioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively

JoystiqBioWare docs explain how to stay true to your roots while expanding massively originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-labeleaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukmmonasdaqnew-york-citynycpcray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 21 Dec 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA['BioWare Ireland' opens as 400-person customer service center ... in Ireland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/#comments Following up its tax incentive-fueled studio opening in Austin, Texas, EA this morning revealed the opening of a new customer service center in business friendly Galway, Ireland. When fully staffed, "BioWare Ireland" will task approximately 400 employees with making this year's big BioWare release go as smoothly as possible, employing customer service agents primarily. Star Wars: The Old Republic is set to launch December 20 in North America, and December 22 in Europe, so the service center is opening just in time for business.

During a speech at the grand opening, BioWare co-head Ray Muzyka called out to potential employees across all parts of Europe to join BioWare's Ireland team. "We've got a solid base of people here already in Galway ... we're looking for more. From Ireland ... from the rest of Europe to support our German and French customers ... from all over the world. We want you to join us here at BioWare Ireland." Muzyka was no doubt trying to fill out the studio's current staff of 200, which is expected to double at full capacity.

BioWare's Galway service center marks the first installation the company will operate outside of North America.

Joystiq'BioWare Ireland' opens as 400-person customer service center ... in Ireland originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-irelandcustomer-serviceeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgalwaygreg-zeschukirelandmmopcray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 26 Sep 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA['Irrational Interviews' pairs Ken Levine with the BioWare docs on latest episode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/#comments When we tipped you in the past about Irrational Games' ongoing series of podcasts, dubbed "Irrational Interviews," we may not have been emphatic enough about becoming an ongoing listener. To date, not a single episode has been less than interesting, and this week's episode with the BioWare doctors goes far beyond that all-too-general adjective.

The trio cover everything from their disparate, non-game industry backgrounds, to the myriad difficulties involved in growing a studio, to the requisite "where is the industry going" conversation (unfortunately, even these folks don't know for sure). And clocking in at around half an hour, you can easily fit it in while your significant other watches another episode of the Jersey Shore.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'richcz3']

Joystiq'Irrational Interviews' pairs Ken Levine with the BioWare docs on latest episode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukirrationalirrational-gamesirrational-interviewsken-levineray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Muzyka: BioWare to throw previous Dragon Age games into a blender for next title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/muzyka-bioware-to-throw-previous-dragon-age-games-into-a-blende/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/muzyka-bioware-to-throw-previous-dragon-age-games-into-a-blende/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/21/muzyka-bioware-to-throw-previous-dragon-age-games-into-a-blende/#comments Dragon Age 3 is going to blend the best features of Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2, BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka told PC Gamer at Gamescom. After Dragon Age 2's inconclusive, varied review scores, BioWare is focused on making all fans, core and new, happy: "What we need to do as developers is take that feedback from both sets of fans to heart and see about marrying that in future games in the Dragon Age franchise. I think that the team has actually got a great plan," Muzyka said.

We're on board as long as that plan doesn't involve throwing raspberries into the blender -- a raspberry and chain mail smoothie may sound good, but it is a bad idea. Trust us on this one.

JoystiqMuzyka: BioWare to throw previous Dragon Age games into a blender for next title originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDragon-Age-2dragon-age-3Dragon-Age-Originsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxSun, 21 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare 'figuring out the right way' to continue Mass Effect after ME3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/mass-effect-continuation-after-me3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/mass-effect-continuation-after-me3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/mass-effect-continuation-after-me3/#comments Speaking with business giant Forbes, BioWare founders/doctors Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka spoke on the possibility of life after Mass Effect 3, saying that ME3's universe of diverse alien races and planets has struck a chord with the series' audience. While their priorities and resources are currently focused on "nailing it" with ME3, the doctors maintain that possibilities in the future are wide open.

"We do have a desire to continue the Mass Effect franchise," said Muzyka, "and we're working on the details, figuring out what the fans want, figuring out the right way." Given the amount of codex text the series has generated over the years, we don't doubt that there are still stories left to tell in the ME universe.

JoystiqBioWare 'figuring out the right way' to continue Mass Effect after ME3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukinterviewmass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxMon, 27 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 gets Kinect support with voice recognition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/mass-effect-3-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/mass-effect-3-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/mass-effect-3-kinect/#comments Mass Effect 3 will allow you to choose whether various characters live or die, BioWare announced this morning during Microsoft's E3 2011 press conference. CEO Ray Muzyka took to the stage to reveal the added functionality -- rumored just this past week -- detailing the functionality as voice commands for various effect.

Choosing whether characters live or die (by voice) and ordering around your squad around the battlefield were both shown off, though it's possible more features will be added before the game's planned early 2012 launch. We're not exactly sure why Kinect is required for this functionality where an Xbox 360 headset would work (a la Ruse), but it sure is neat being able to command someone's death with nothing more than the sound of our voice.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 gets Kinect support with voice recognition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaree3-2011kinectmass-effect-3microsoftray-muzykavoice-commandsvoice-recognitionxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name: BioWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/whats-in-a-name-bioware/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/whats-in-a-name-bioware/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/whats-in-a-name-bioware/#comments

It's time for the BioWare: Origins name story. At DICE 2011, we had the opportunity to ask Drs. Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk how their studio got its name:

Dr. Ray Muzyka: "The three founders, Greg, myself and [Augustine Yip] our third partner, we were all medical doctors by training, so it was a tongue-in-cheek reference to us being medical doctors. It was also a reference to software for humans. The original logo had the BioWare name and then a robot hand and human hand, the idea of a machine and human interface. ... We thought it was a memorable name and it was free [for use], as well. The idea of the medical reference was quite popular, it's continually come back up over the past couple decades, so in that sense it was a pretty good name, I guess."

Dr. Greg Zeschuk: "I think it was that and the software for humans concept. We're making software for people: Bio. Ware. ... We wanted something interesting, cool, memorable. I think the medical piece was the big thing, but also the interface concept."

Muzyka: "We dropped the two hands as part of the logo. Our early business cards had it ..."

Zeschuk: "... and T-shirts. Collector's T-shirts."

BioWare will launch Dragon Age 2 in March and The Old Republic sometime in 2011.

Like this feature? Be sure to check out the What's In A Name Archives.

JoystiqWhat's in a Name: BioWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaregreg-zeschukmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykawhats-in-a-namexboxSun, 13 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AIAS Hall of Fame 'Game Changers' confess pro mistakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/aias-hall-of-fame-game-changers-confess-pro-mistakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/aias-hall-of-fame-game-changers-confess-pro-mistakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/aias-hall-of-fame-game-changers-confess-pro-mistakes/#comments Kicking off DICE 2011, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences invited Hall of Fame "game changers" to speak on a variety of topics, moderated by New York Times writer Seth Schiesel. Things got introspective when the panel discussed design decisions they wish they could take back, or a plan that didn't work out as well as they thought it would.

BioWare's Dr. Greg Zeschuk, who will be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame this year with business partner Dr. Ray Muzyka, said that about 10 or 12 years ago he made a pitch video for Five Fingers of Death. It was going to be a kung-fu game set in the Baldur's Gate universe. Cutscenes would have have been too expensive to produce, so Zeschuk spent several weeks re-dubbing old kung-fu movies using his own voice. When the tape went out he recalls several companies laughed them off.

If anyone happens to have a copy of that tape, there are several video upload sites we'd be more than happy to recommend.

Continue reading AIAS Hall of Fame 'Game Changers' confess pro mistakes

JoystiqAIAS Hall of Fame 'Game Changers' confess pro mistakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasaias-hall-of-famebaldurs-gatebiowarebruce-shelleydice-2011five-fingers-of-deathgreg-zeschukmark-cernymike-morhaimepcray-muzykaThu, 10 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AIAS Hall of Famers delivering 2011 D.I.C.E. Summit keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/aias-hall-of-famers-delivering-2011-d-i-c-e-summit-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/aias-hall-of-famers-delivering-2011-d-i-c-e-summit-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/30/aias-hall-of-famers-delivering-2011-d-i-c-e-summit-keynote/#comments So, you've only got a few hours set aside this year with which to absorb illumination from some of the gaming industry's smartest folks? You won't find a more efficient way to satisfy your needs than the 2011 D.I.C.E. Summit keynote panel, which will feature the shared wisdom of a number of Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Famers from years past. (And years current!)

Presenters include Blizzard president Mike Morhaime, Grandfather of the RTS genre Bruce Shelley, Cerny Games president Mike Cerny and BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk. If you can make it to the panel on the evening of February 9, we're pretty sure that you'll possess all the knowledge you'll need to create the industry's next big game. At the very least, you'll have some inspiration for some awesome last names for said game's characters.

Continue reading AIAS Hall of Famers delivering 2011 D.I.C.E. Summit keynote

JoystiqAIAS Hall of Famers delivering 2011 D.I.C.E. Summit keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIASaias-hall-of-famebiowareblizzarddicedice-summitdice-summit-2011greg-zeschukkeynoteMike-Morhaimeray-muzykaSun, 30 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare doctors add 'AIAS Hall of Fame' to credentials]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/bioware-doctors-add-aias-hall-of-fame-to-credentials/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/bioware-doctors-add-aias-hall-of-fame-to-credentials/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/bioware-doctors-add-aias-hall-of-fame-to-credentials/#comments BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk will be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) Hall of Fame. Muzyka and Zeschuk will be the fourteenth and fifteenth (they can quibble about which is which) members in the hall of fame, which includes folks like Mike Cerny, Mike Morhaime and Dani Bunten. This is the first time the award has been given to a pair.

"The Doctors," as they are referred to in the industry, took the leap from medicine to game design and have been more than marginally successful, heading up the studio that created top-tier franchises Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect and Dragon Age. The awards will be presented to the pair by Epic Games prez Mike Capps at the 2011 D.I.C.E. Summit in February. We really hope someone chooses the renegade option when the duo get up to accept their awards.

JoystiqBioWare doctors add 'AIAS Hall of Fame' to credentials originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIASaias-hall-of-fameBioWareDICE-2011greg-zeschukmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxSat, 18 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[From the VGAs Red Carpet: Bioware's Doctors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/from-the-vgas-red-carpet-biowares-doctors/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/from-the-vgas-red-carpet-biowares-doctors/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/12/from-the-vgas-red-carpet-biowares-doctors/#comments At the red carpet event right before the VGAs this weekend, all we could get out of Bioware's two founding doctors, Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, about their reveal was that "it involves shooting." Sure enough, as we predicted, the new game ended up being Mass Effect 3, and we'll look forward to more information about that game as we move toward release next year.

But in the meantime, Muzyka and Zeschuk were happy to tell us what they thought of fan reaction to the last entry in the series. Even though it came out last January, Mass Effect 2 remains a game of the year contender for 2010. "It's a tremendous honor for us to have the game considered in that light by the fans," said Muzyka. "At the end of the day, that's what it's all about." Zeshuck agrees that "it's a long time. But people seem to remember it, and it's really exciting that it's still on people's minds."

With Dragon Age 2 and The Old Republic already on the way, and now Mass Effect 3 due out next year as well, we asked if Bioware is concerned about spreading itself too thin. "There was a point a couple of years ago where we actually thought about that really carefully," says Zeschuk. "We actually did kind of constrict ourselves a few years back. We had to very specifically structure the studios."

But nowadays, the doctors feel that the company's balance is exactly right. "I've actually just done a circuit across the studios," says Muzyka. "What really struck me is how passionate our people are, and how much they care about the quality of the experiences. We're making different types of games in every studio, but they all retain that feel of Bioware."

JoystiqFrom the VGAs Red Carpet: Bioware's Doctors originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaregreg-zeschukmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykavga-2010xboxSun, 12 Dec 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare Docs talk Dragon Age, Mass Effect, The Old Republic plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/bioware-docs-talk-dragon-age-mass-effect-the-old-republic-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/bioware-docs-talk-dragon-age-mass-effect-the-old-republic-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/bioware-docs-talk-dragon-age-mass-effect-the-old-republic-plan/#comments BioWare co-founders Dr. Greg Zeschuk and Dr. Ray Muzyka have their fingers in a lot of pies (which are made of giant RPGs) -- in a recent interview with Eurogamer, the duo explained how the developer's attention is split across its catalog of franchises. On the subject of Dragon Age 2, the Doctors explained that they're focusing on expanding the universe they've created, rather than telling a chronological story. "It's probably fair to say it's less precise than the Mass Effect trilogy concept," Zeschuk explained.

Speaking of BioWare's spacefaring RPG, Muzyka explained, "We're still working on stuff in the Mass Effect universe actively," with Zeschuk adding, "We have a pretty long DLC plan for Mass. We're still doing lots of stuff there." The Doctors also addressed their tremendously costly MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic, with Muzyka saying "It's a big bet, but it's the right kind of bet to make for EA," and Zeschuk adding "Hey, entertainment's risky by nature." That's certainly true -- just ask The Adventures of Pluto Nash.

Check out the full interview for more of the Doctors' insights on BioWare's upcoming projects.

JoystiqBioWare Docs talk Dragon Age, Mass Effect, The Old Republic plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDragon-Age-2greg-zeschukmass-effectmass-effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3ray-muzykastar-wars-the-old-republicxboxFri, 05 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Mass Effect 2 to have 'seamless introduction,' integrates 'a lot' of DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/ps3-mass-effect-2-to-have-seamless-introduction-integrates-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/ps3-mass-effect-2-to-have-seamless-introduction-integrates-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/ps3-mass-effect-2-to-have-seamless-introduction-integrates-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka has revealed to VG247 that Mass Effect 2's Cerberus Network DLC will be available for the PS3 version in a "full way." While he didn't get too specific, he indicated that "a lot," if not all of the post-release content that's been released for the Xbox 360 and PC versions of the game will be integrated into the initial PS3 release. Additionally, the PS3 port will feature some form of an "introduction experience that provides the backstory and the things that have happened" in the first game (which is not available on PS3).

"We haven't revealed what that is yet," Muzyka said of the introduction for first-time Mass Effect players. "It'll be something that provides a good introduction and provides a lot of the backstory and introduces you well to the story-arc, and kind of makes you feel like you're part of it all. And then you can jump right into the action in Mass Effect 2."

Muzyka also touched on the possibility of Mass Effect 3 launching simultaneously on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, teasing, "That'd be a good guess, but we haven't announced any details on any future formats or anything -- or even formally announced Mass Effect 3 yet." Of course, BioWare "wants to support different platforms, reach different audiences," Muzyka added, "we're part of EA and we want to make sure we can embrace that as well. I think we're trying to do that with all of our products, whether it's Dragon Age or Mass Effect."

JoystiqPS3 Mass Effect 2 to have 'seamless introduction,' integrates 'a lot' of DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecerberus-networkdlceaelectronic-artsgamescom-2010Mass-Effect-2mass-effect-3playstationps3ray-muzykaWed, 18 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare bosses see potential, challenges in Move and Natal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/bioware-bosses-see-potential-challenges-in-move-and-natal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/bioware-bosses-see-potential-challenges-in-move-and-natal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/bioware-bosses-see-potential-challenges-in-move-and-natal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Speaking to IndustryGamers, BioWare head honchos Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka shared some thoughts on the current state of motion controls and the potential of Move and Project Natal. According to Zeschuk, BioWare has been looking for ways that the technologies could enhance a role-playing experience. He mentioned using motions to "enhance your feeling that you're actually acting in the game." For a game like Mass Effect, Zeschuk imagined the ability to affect a conversation with a gesture, saying "you could actually pull your finger and pretend you're shooting the guy for the renegade action."

Zeschuk wants to see motion controls "evolve beyond the party game." He added that "it's going to be a challenge" for developers to move past the party game mentality. "You look at the Wii, and no one's ever gotten past that, that initial stage," said Zeschuk (someone send that man a copy of Shattered Memories). Thankfully, both Natal and Move are far too sophisticated for simple bowling games. Oh, wait.

For Muzyka's part, he believes motion controllers can make games more accessible, allowing developers to connect on a deeper level with players. "The challenge is finding ways to remove those barriers that doesn't create new barriers like having your arms get tired from waving the controller around, things like that," said Muzyka, adding, "If you can do that, I think there's a real opportunity."

JoystiqBioWare bosses see potential, challenges in Move and Natal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareGreg-ZeschukmicrosoftMoveplaystationPlayStation-Moveps3Ray-MuzykaxboxXbox-360Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: BioWare's Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/interview-biowares-greg-zeschuk-and-ray-muzyka/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/interview-biowares-greg-zeschuk-and-ray-muzyka/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/interview-biowares-greg-zeschuk-and-ray-muzyka/#comments "Are you saying BioWare fast turnaround?" company co-founder Greg Zeschuk asks jokingly. The respected RPG developer has been known for taking its time with producing hits like Neverwinter Nights and Baldur's Gate, but has seemingly never been as prolific as it has been in recent months -- just over two years after being acquired by EA. How's this for fast turnaround? Dragon Age: Origins in November 2009, Mass Effect 2 in January, Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening in March and several DLC packs in-between (and more on the way).

We spoke with BioWare co-founders and super-doctors Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka at the Game Developers Conference about their improved production pipeline, the practical challenges of creating DLC and, of course, how fast the turnaround could be on Mass Effect 3*.

*"It's not official!" - Greg Zeschuk

Continue reading Interview: BioWare's Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka

JoystiqInterview: BioWare's Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeninggdc-2010greg-zeschukinterviewmass-effect-2mass-effect-3Microsoftray-muzykaXbox-360Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie & BioWare discuss franchise maintenance at GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/bungie-and-bioware-discuss-franchise-maintenance-at-gdc-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/bungie-and-bioware-discuss-franchise-maintenance-at-gdc-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/bungie-and-bioware-discuss-franchise-maintenance-at-gdc-2010/#comments As part of the GamesBeat "fireside chat" series during GDC 2010, Bungie's Joseph Staten and BioWare's Ray Muzyka discussed some of the challenges with maintaining big, huge franchises with Spike TV's Geoff Keighley. Staten noted that Bungie originally "had absolutely no 10-year plan" for the Halo franchise. Now, for Bungie's next project -- the one that isn't part of the Halo franchise -- Staten said that "the responsible thing to do" is to "create something with legs," adding that it's easier to secure funding with a project that has long term potential for investors. Muzyka added that it's important to create a product that keeps players emotionally engaged, so that they anticipate the next installment.

When asked about how consumer feedback affects the development of a franchise, Muzyka pointed to the many changes that BioWare made to the various game mechanics and systems of Mass Effect when creating Mass Effect 2. "You've got to listen to fans," said Muzyka, "really, the changes you saw in the second game came from the feedback" from the first Mass Effect.

Continue reading Bungie & BioWare discuss franchise maintenance at GDC

JoystiqBungie & BioWare discuss franchise maintenance at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebungiegdcgdc-2010joseph-statenray-muzykaMon, 15 Mar 2010 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mass Effect bible is 'quite large,' BioWare's Muzyka assures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/the-mass-effect-bible-is-quite-large-biowares-muzyka-assures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/the-mass-effect-bible-is-quite-large-biowares-muzyka-assures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/the-mass-effect-bible-is-quite-large-biowares-muzyka-assures/#comments
 Thank the Enkindlers! Encompassing an entire galaxy's worth of alien beings, uncharted worlds and tattooed psychopaths, Mass Effect's bible doesn't exactly make for light reading. "We probably spent 6-12 months with a team of designers, artists and so on doing concepting, world building, design and character iteration, timelines, and the history of the universe," BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka recently told IGN. The "IP bible" is consulted for all Mass Effect games, he explained, comparing it to an "iceberg that's down there, giving it weight and gravity, credibility and depth."

Echoing earlier statements made by BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk, Muzyka pointed to the franchise's considerable backstory as a viable source for "future extensions, ancillary products, things like that." Things like that may include spin-offs like Mass Effect: Galaxy for iPhone, novels, further expansions to Mass Effect 2, and, obviously, Mass Effect 3.

Sadly, if there's one thing the Mass Effect bible can't teach us, it's the virtue of patience. Who wouldn't kill for the next part of the trilogy right now?

JoystiqThe Mass Effect bible is 'quite large,' BioWare's Muzyka assures originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaremass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3Microsoftray-muzykarpgXbox-360Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ray Muzyka: Bioware producing a lot of content, more to come at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/ray-muzyka-bioware-producing-a-lot-of-content-more-to-come-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/ray-muzyka-bioware-producing-a-lot-of-content-more-to-come-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/ray-muzyka-bioware-producing-a-lot-of-content-more-to-come-at/#comments Bioware's Ray Muzyka has been spilling some Bio-beans over on Eurogamer today. In the public interview, he says that while there is both PDLC (the "P" stands for "Premium") being developed for Mass Effect 2 and expansion content planned for Dragon Age: Origins, most of the core team for the sci-fi series has already started working on the as-yet-unannounced Mass Effect 3. He does promise that there's been a vision from the beginning and that the vision has been tweaked and changed as the games are coming along, so hopefully the trilogy will lead to a worthwhile conclusion.

He also hints that there's lots more to see coming from Bioware -- Muzyka is working on both PS3 and 360 titles (some still secret) "across the studios I manage," and of course The Old Republic, which he describes as "KotOR 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in one project," is in development as well. And at the very end of the interview, to a question about what we can expect at this year's E3, he only answers a cryptic, "Yes!" Maybe Muzyka should have been in charge of the dialog trees in Dragon Age; the game would have been a lot shorter.

[via NeoGAF]

JoystiqRay Muzyka: Bioware producing a lot of content, more to come at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdragon-age-originse3e3-2010knights-of-the-old-republickotormass-effect-2mass-effect-3Microsoftpremium-dlcray-muzykastudiosthe-old-republicXbox-360Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 'Return to Ostagar' DLC returning next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/dragon-age-return-to-ostagar-dlc-returning-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/dragon-age-return-to-ostagar-dlc-returning-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/dragon-age-return-to-ostagar-dlc-returning-next-week/#commentsThe Dragon Age: Origins DLC "Return to Ostagar" was delayed at the eleventh hour, then mysteriously appeared on Xbox Live on January 13, before disappearing once again. In an interview with PCGZine, BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka assured readers that Return to Ostagar will return to availability sometime soon. "We have a big investment planned for Dragon Age with more DLC coming in the next week or so," Muzyka said.

Muzyka's explanation for the botched DLC launch echoed that of community manager Chris Priestly, with both citing complications from a title update that had launched simultaneously with the Xbox Live release. "I don't know if it was a communication error with our distribution partners or what happened there," Muzyka said. "If they were released in order it would have been fine, but it created a bug which prevented progression, and obviously that wasn't acceptable, so we pulled it down."

Is it too cynical to suggest that you wait a few days to download the DLC even after the "real" release?

JoystiqDragon Age 'Return to Ostagar' DLC returning next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsMicrosoftray-muzykareturn-to-ostagarrpgXbox-360Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare's Ray Muzyka on how to make single-player gaming more social]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/biowares-ray-muzyka-on-how-to-make-single-player-gaming-more-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/biowares-ray-muzyka-on-how-to-make-single-player-gaming-more-so/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/biowares-ray-muzyka-on-how-to-make-single-player-gaming-more-so/#comments The good folks at IncGamers had a chat with one of BioWare's founding medical doctors, Ray Muzyka, about the company's history of classic single-player gaming and its upcoming foray into the world of massively multiplayer with Star Wars: The Old Republic. Muzyka says that the line between solo and collective experiences is blurring: even traditionally single-player games are dipping into the vast realms of multiplayer co-op and competition through online social tools and downloadable content.

Speaking specifically, he says that Dragon Age: Origins is a good example, with online social features for what is definitely a single-player experience. And Mass Effect 2, he says, will explore these ideas through its own DLC. In fact, he outright guarantees us that BioWare is "planning more [DLC] than in Mass Effect 1." As players who couldn't get enough of the two packs on offer for the original game, that's Muzyka to our ears.

JoystiqBioWare's Ray Muzyka on how to make single-player gaming more social originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdoctorsdownloadable-contentdragon-agefeaturesgreg-zeschukincgamersmass-effectmass-effect-2massively-multiplayerMicrosoftmmomultiplayeronlinephdray-muzykasingleplayersocialsocial-networkingstar-wars-the-old-republicuniversity-of-albertaXbox-360Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare considers storytelling challenge of multiplayer experiences]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/bioware-considers-storytelling-challenge-of-multiplayer-experien/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/bioware-considers-storytelling-challenge-of-multiplayer-experien/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/bioware-considers-storytelling-challenge-of-multiplayer-experien/#comments
Outside of the MMO genre, solitary experiences are de rigueur for role-playing games, most of all those emerging from the venerable story specialists at BioWare. Speaking to VideoGamer.com, BioWare CEO and co-founder Dr. Ray Muzyka offered some insights into the company's considerations for co-op multiplayer gaming. "We haven't announced anything on that front yet, but those are interesting ideas," Muzyka explained. "They could make a great gameplay experience. Whether we'll do them or not remains to be decided."

Among the things to be decided is how best to incorporate your party of friends with, well, your party of in-game friends. "It's hard to weave a great single-player storyline into a multiplayer experience," Muzyka said. "It's not impossible." The good doctor insists that it's been done and points to the developer's anticipated Star Wars MMO as proof. "We've done it, and we're doing it again now in Star Wars: The Old Republic. But it is challenging."

JoystiqBioWare considers storytelling challenge of multiplayer experiences originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareco-opdragon-agedragon-age-originsmmomultiplayerray-muzykarpgstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstorytellingswtorMon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3's Dragon Age: Origins back on track for Nov. 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ps3s-dragon-age-origins-back-on-track-for-nov-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ps3s-dragon-age-origins-back-on-track-for-nov-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/ps3s-dragon-age-origins-back-on-track-for-nov-3/#comments
Speaking during a live chat on the PlayStation Blog, Bioware's Ray Muzyka announced the latest North American release date for the PlayStation 3 version of Dragon Age: Origins. To be specific, the PS3 version will no longer be the latest in showing up on store shelves. So long, "later in November" and farewell to you, November 17! All three versions -- that's PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 -- of BioWare's "dark heroic fantasy" will hit North America on November 3.

European PS3 owners, however, still need to hang on until "a bit later in November." Don't worry, that brief disappointment will make eventual platform parity feel like something amazing again!

JoystiqPS3's Dragon Age: Origins back on track for Nov. 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-originsray-muzykarelease-daterpgFri, 23 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation UK Blog brings BioWare doctors in for Dragon Age live chat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/playstation-uk-blog-brings-bioware-doctors-in-for-dragon-age-liv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/playstation-uk-blog-brings-bioware-doctors-in-for-dragon-age-liv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/playstation-uk-blog-brings-bioware-doctors-in-for-dragon-age-liv/#comments BioWare fans should start polishing up their Dragon Age: Origins related questions, because the good Canadian doctors from the famed studio will be on hand for a live chat with fans this Friday, October 23, on the PlayStation UK Blog.

Beginning at 7PM BST (2PM EDT), BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuck will be on hand taking questions about its latest role-playing game. The hour-long event will give fans a chance to ask about upcoming content, exclusive bonuses and what it's like working with that evil clown from Steven King's It Tim Curry.

JoystiqPlayStation UK Blog brings BioWare doctors in for Dragon Age live chat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-age-originselectronic-artsGreg-Zeschuklivechatq-and-aquestion-and-answerRay-Muzykarole-playing-gamerpgThu, 22 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A game without violence? BioWare thinks it's possible with the right audience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/a-game-without-violence-bioware-thinks-its-possible-with-the-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/a-game-without-violence-bioware-thinks-its-possible-with-the-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/a-game-without-violence-bioware-thinks-its-possible-with-the-r/#comments
Skimming through the Interweb this morning, we stumbled upon statements made by BioWare's Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka, spelling out their interest in creating games more reliant on story than combat. Well no duh, guys. However, digging deeper, we found that the BioWare docs aren't just talking about the usual marriage of story and gameplay that their studio focuses on, but removing combat nearly entirely from games in the future.

"We talk a certain amount internally about whether you need to have combat as part of the experience ... are there possibilities to actually start separating pieces of the game and actually tailor it to the audience," Zeschuk said to GamesIndustry.biz. "There are different audiences that would maybe just enjoy the story," he continued, hinting at the possibility of future BioWare games without any violent actions whatsoever. Though we're inclined to point to the plethora of adventure games out there, we're more hopeful for a Jade Empire sequel with extra spoonfuls of violence rather than too much reliance on story. We can hope, can't we?

JoystiqA game without violence? BioWare thinks it's possible with the right audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredevelopmentgamesindustry.bizgreg-zeschukjade-empiremass-effectray-muzykarpgstoryMon, 06 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii viewed as 'intriguing' to BioWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/wii-viewed-as-intriguing-to-bioware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/wii-viewed-as-intriguing-to-bioware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/wii-viewed-as-intriguing-to-bioware/#comments Speaking to IndustryGamers.com, BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka said that the renowned RPG dev is "intrigued by the idea of developing on Wii," but that it has "nothing to announce right now." Right now?

"We do have some unannounced projects that we're not ready to talk about yet, and they are different from some things we've done in the past," Muzyka continued. He stated that "[BioWare's] goal, really long-term, is to broaden our base and continue to differentiate and have diversity of choice on different platforms, because we know there are different audiences on platforms like mobile and Wii."

If it were to create a title for Nintendo's console, BioWare would strongly consider "[what] the Wii audience [is] looking for, and what would we want to deliver that has emotionally powerful narrative?," adding that it "probably wouldn't be exactly the same as everything else we do; we did a DS game and that was already very different from what we've done before." Actually, Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (the game in question) was an RPG -- and a very good one at that -- that exploited the DS hardware nicely. We imagine Wii owners would be plenty happy to play something that is as tailored made for their systems.

JoystiqWii viewed as 'intriguing' to BioWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareNintendoray-muzykaWiiThu, 18 Jun 2009 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare talks EA acquisition, Dragon Age perception]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/bioware-talks-ea-acquisition-dragon-age-perception/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/bioware-talks-ea-acquisition-dragon-age-perception/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/bioware-talks-ea-acquisition-dragon-age-perception/#comments
With a sequel, an original IP and now an MMO in the pipeline, it's a wonder that anyone at BioWare gets any sleep these days, least of all company head honchos Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk. Still, if there's one benefit to insomnia it's that it leaves you with a lot of time on your hands to talk about any number of things, including what life is like after being gobbled up by a publishing giant.

"Honestly, I don't think there have been too many changes at all," reflected Muzyka on the state of BioWare following the company's acquisition by Electronic Arts in 2007. "If anything, we feel enhanced." The BioWare co-founder added that given that the company is now a publisher as well, "we control our destiny in terms of both development and marketing now."

Part of that destiny includes Dragon Age: Origins, a game that Zeschuk admits has been a challenge to market as something more than just a Lord of the Rings clone. One difference is the role of elves, which are described as "not special" and "second-class citizens" in the eyes of humans, promising a stark contrast to those scampering about in Middle Earth when Dragon Age rolls onto retail shelves later this year.

JoystiqBioWare talks EA acquisition, Dragon Age perception originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agedragon-age-originseaelectronic-artselvesgreg-zeschuklord-of-the-ringsMicrosoftmiddle-earthray-muzykaXbox-360Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare's Muzyka, Zeschuk keynoting GDC Canada 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/biowares-muzyka-zeschuk-keynoting-gdc-canada-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/biowares-muzyka-zeschuk-keynoting-gdc-canada-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/biowares-muzyka-zeschuk-keynoting-gdc-canada-2009/#comments
With jetlag only just starting to subside from attending the recent Game Developers Conference, plans are already in place for the annual gathering's sister event in Canada. Taking place next month, the show will feature a keynote address by BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk speaking on what the pair describe as gaming's "new frontier."

The keynote, titled "Emotionally Engaging Narrative: Gaming's New Frontier," will likely build on comments made in April regarding the impassioned Mass Effect sequel, which according to BioWare won't "shy away from emotionally engaging moments." The event will also feature a keynote by Microsoft's Don Mattrick, as well as speakers from EA's Black Box and Maxis studios, both of which have been looking noticeably thinner of late. GDC Canada is scheduled to take over the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre from May 12-13, leaving us a little time to find a way out of these tauntaun husks and brave the chilly north.

JoystiqBioWare's Muzyka, Zeschuk keynoting GDC Canada 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaregdc-canadagdc-canada-09greg-zeschukmass-effectmass-effect-2ray-muzykaMon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 won't 'shy away from emotionally engaging moments']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/mass-effect-2-wont-shy-away-from-emotionally-engaging-moments/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/mass-effect-2-wont-shy-away-from-emotionally-engaging-moments/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/mass-effect-2-wont-shy-away-from-emotionally-engaging-moments/#comments
In response to the dumb, dumb controversy surrounding the original Mass Effect's thoroughly non-erotic, two-minute-long sex scene, Bioware co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk recently addressed the inclusion of further intergalactic sexcapades in Mass Effect 2 during an interview with VG247. In short, they said the sequel won't "shy away from emotionally engaging moments," provided they're "contextually appropriate."

Before you start planning another crusade to tear some poor psychologist's new book's Amazon rating asunder, it's important to discern what the two men meant when they said "emotionally engaging moments." While deep space lovemakin' seems a safe bet, they could just as easily be referring to a quick-time event in which you must euthanize your trusty space-dog, who has contracted a serious case of space-rabies.

We're just kidding, of course. They're definitely talkin' 'bout bonin'.

JoystiqMass Effect 2 won't 'shy away from emotionally engaging moments' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareemotiongreg-zeschukmass-effectmass-effect-2Microsoftray-muzykasexXbox-360Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare CEO talks PS3 development, MMOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/bioware-ceo-talks-ps3-development-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/bioware-ceo-talks-ps3-development-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/bioware-ceo-talks-ps3-development-mmos/#comments In an interview with Play magazine, BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka called the PlayStation 3 "a really amazing platform to work on." He also said that BioWare might consider joining the growing MMO presence on PS3 if the studio could overcome some of the challenges with console interface design. However, that doesn't mean the company's current, PC-only MMO project, Star Wars: The Old Republic, would appear on PS3 sometime down the line; Muzyka says BioWare might explore "other MMO games in the future."

For now, the EA-owned dev studio should probably focus on getting its first game on PS3 out the door, which happens to be the multi-platform Dragon Age: Origins. That title is expected to be released sometime later this year.

JoystiqBioWare CEO talks PS3 development, MMOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaElectronic-Artsmmoray-muzykaFri, 06 Mar 2009 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare opens new studio in Montreal, Mass Effect 2 up first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/bioware-opens-new-studio-in-montreal-mass-effect-2-up-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/bioware-opens-new-studio-in-montreal-mass-effect-2-up-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/bioware-opens-new-studio-in-montreal-mass-effect-2-up-first/#comments
GameDaily is bringing us news hot off the presses that BioWare has just announced the opening of a new studio within EA's Montreal studio. The new group will be comprised of 30 people and "about half the staff will be brought in from BioWare's Edmonton studio," the studio that worked on the original Mass Effect, BioWare co-founder and CEO Ray Muzyka told GameDaily. The game they're starting with, you ask? Why it's none other than the recently teased Mass Effect 2.

"We're really excited about it, and we think it's going to be a huge opportunity to tap into the talent base in Montreal while supplementing our existing teams in Edmonton and Austin, which are doing some great stuff on all the other projects BioWare's working on," Muzyka noted, adding that other than Mass Effect 2, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: The Old Republic, BioWare has some "super secret projects." As you might expect, Muzyka and co. are holding their tongues on those announcements for another day.

JoystiqBioWare opens new studio in Montreal, Mass Effect 2 up first originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaea-montrealElectronic-Artsgamedailygamedaily-bizmass-effect-2Microsoftray-muzykaXbox-360Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Mass Effect Trilogy exclusive to the Xbox 360 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/rumor-mass-effect-trilogy-exclusive-to-the-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/rumor-mass-effect-trilogy-exclusive-to-the-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/rumor-mass-effect-trilogy-exclusive-to-the-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under:


Update: A BioWare representative commented on this story at GameDaily denying the Muzyka ever alluded to Xbox 360 exclusivity. "This site [Xboxoz360] is incorrect; Ray did NOT make any such statement regarding any exclusivity plans for the Mass Effect trilogy," the rep insisted.

In the September issue of Australian 360, BioWare co-founder and CEO Ray Muzyka was discussing the future of Mass Effect and the possibility of multi-platform at the EA European Showcase. "We said we were committed to supporting Mass Effect as a franchise and have the trilogy on the Xbox 360, and that's still our goal", Muzyka told the magazine, later adding "we're always very ambitious in our goals and the most important thing is quality, so we're never going to compromise that."

The quote doesn't actually lead us to believe that the series will be exclusive because the word is never actually uttered. If anything it provides the insight that the series will always be on the Xbox 360 but Muzyka never says it will only land on Microsoft's console. As one reader points out, it's more of a nod to the entire trilogy making it out this generation.

Questions regarding the fate of Mass Effect have been in the air since Electronic Arts acquired the famed Canadian developer -- who hold the rights to the Mass Effect name and universe. With major companies going multi-platform to make up for costly development we'd be surprised if EA went this route. Unless of course a deal is in place that was made prior to the EA acquisition or shortly thereafter.

A representative for Electronic Arts has yet to reply to inquires regarding this rumor at the time of publishing this story.

[via Xboxoz360]

JoystiqRumor: Mass Effect Trilogy exclusive to the Xbox 360 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effectray-muzykaTue, 22 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: BioWare's Ray Muzyka talks Mass Effect 2, DLC and his favorite interface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/joystiq-interview-biowares-ray-muzyka-talks-mass-effect-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/joystiq-interview-biowares-ray-muzyka-talks-mass-effect-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/joystiq-interview-biowares-ray-muzyka-talks-mass-effect-2-dlc/#commentsFiled under: ,


Normally, when we want to talk to Ray Muzyka, General Manger of BioWare, we have to camp outside his palatial mansion and wait for him to get his morning paper. He's pretty spry though, so we can usually get out "When is Mass Effect 2 go--" before he slams the door in our face. But this time, EA actually asked us to pick the good doctor's brain. Here are the results:

BioWare has worked in several fantastical settings. How did working in a sci-fi world like Mass Effect differ from some of your earlier titles?

That's a great question. The creative inspiration for both fantasy and sci-fi, and contemporary settings for that matter, certainly come from very different sources on different projects - for example, we're inspired by the classic fantasy novels for our fantasy games like Baldur's Gate or Dragon Age, and by classic science fiction films for science fiction IPs like Mass Effect, and by contemporary setting movies and novels for other titles. We're always striving to deliver powerful emotional experiences to our audience.

Continue reading Joystiq interview: BioWare's Ray Muzyka talks Mass Effect 2, DLC and his favorite interface

JoystiqJoystiq interview: BioWare's Ray Muzyka talks Mass Effect 2, DLC and his favorite interface originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredragon-agejoystiqfeaturesmass-effectmass-effect-2ray-muzykaFri, 23 May 2008 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Muzyka: Dragon Age looking sweet, Us: [gasp]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/muzyka-dragon-age-looking-sweet-us-gasp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/muzyka-dragon-age-looking-sweet-us-gasp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/muzyka-dragon-age-looking-sweet-us-gasp/#commentsFiled under: ,


Can you remember back to November 3? No, young one. Not November 3, 2007. That'd be easy. No, we're talking about Nov. 3, 2006. The nation was tuning in to watch the antics of The Honeymooners, bell-bottoms were all the rage and a young Dwight D. Eisenhower was just gearing up his bid for the presidency. It was a crazy time. But it's also when we first got a release window for Dragon Age, a BioWare RPG that was supposedly due in late 2007 or early 2008. As a quick check of your calendar will tell you, both have come and gone.

But fear not! Speaking at yesterday's EA spring showcase in San Francisco, BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka said that the game is not only still in the works but is "Looking really sweet." Well, we should certainly hope so, Ray. We should certainly hope so.

JoystiqMuzyka: Dragon Age looking sweet, Us: [gasp] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarePCray-muzykaWed, 14 May 2008 12:00:00 EST