General: BioWare Austin E3 Interview

Dana

As expected, Richard Vogel and Gordon Walton of BioWare Austin could not tell us specifically what they were working on. Nonetheless, the two were very forthcoming about what they see in the industry, their high level goals and more.

“[We] can’t discuss what we’re doing,” said Richard Vogel, BioWare Austin’s Studio Director of Operations. It was a glum beginning to an engaging interview. The setting, style and gameplay mechanics remain shrouded in mystery and will be there until the folks at BioWare decide to pull back the curtain. That said, we were able to talk to Vogel and Gordon Walton, Studio Director of Technology, about the company’s culture, their high-level goals and more. “[There is] nothing like working for a company that’s all about quality,” explained Walton. The biggest thing they could stress was that no matter what, they are well funded, well organized and will be given all the time required to make their game the way they wanted to. BioWare, like Blizzard, does not rush things.

You can read the article here.

Cerion

Hmmm, time and money seem not to be an issue. That means grandpa has deep pockets. Could that grandpa be Lucas Arts?  God I hope it's a Star Wars title.  An MMO set in their KotOR era would be nice. What ever they do, though, I know it will be fantastic. Imagine that, reputation matters?

Dana

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Originally posted by Cerion
Hmmm, time and money seem not to be an issue. That means grandpa has deep pockets. Could that grandpa be Lucas Arts?  God I hope it's a Star Wars title.  An MMO set in their KotOR era would be nice. What ever they do, though, I know it will be fantastic. Imagine that, reputation matters?

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The deep pockets they're referring to are BioWare themselves. I want to add, I asked about all the various rumors specifically, but they're being good soldiers and no so much as commenting on any of them.

Cutedge

When discussing the Wii, they told us something that really hit home
for their product as well. “Innovation has a high cost… failure.”

Just because you ran SWG into the ground doesn't mean that anything that has innovative elements in it will fail.

Mordah

Whatever they are doing seems exciting to me.  I am hoping for something Sci Fi based instead of the same old rehashed and worn thin elves and dragons theme, but 2 comments here really caught my attention and made me take special notice. 

1)  The first comment about finding crafting and economies extremely exciting.  I find the "mini-game" of crafting and economies to be a feature that is extremely potent and untapped.  I have many friends, for example, that "play" the auction house in WoW with a level 1 alt just for kicks.  They track prices, corner markets, buy low and sell high.  Also found the crafting system in SWG fascinating before it was gutted and changed.  Somebody just needs to step up and make some commitments to crafting and economies so it can contribute significantly, but not hinder the combat classes significantly.  The problem is that the current MMO mindset is that all of this is somehow silly and not worth programming, but some of the most diehard fans (with multiple accounts to back up their interest) are dedicated non-combat types. 

2)  The second comment about seeing a chance to step outside the existing MMORPG clique is extremely exciting too.  I applaud them for wanting to think outside the box and sincerely hope they can re-energize the current accepted concept of grinding levels, doing instances and collecting loot which has become prevalant.  Its repetitive, boring and at the end of the day extremely dissatisfying yet it has somehow become synonymous with MMO's.

Bottom line is that no matter what they make I know it will be a solid product and I will definitely play it...even if it is just another elf and dragon slashfest redux.  I just wish they would give us some idea and maybe a name so I know how to refer to it on my most anticipated game list.

req3st0r

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Originally posted by Cutedge
When discussing the Wii, they told us something that really hit home
for their product as well. “Innovation has a high cost… failure.”

Just because you ran SWG into the ground doesn't mean that anything that has innovative elements in it will fail.

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Did Bioware have anything to do with SWG?  I've never heard anything about that?  I'm pretty sure they didn't, but ever since I touched SWG in beta I've stayed far far away so I'm definitely out of touch.  If so it would definitely temper my expectations...

Dana

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Originally posted by req3st0r

Originally posted by Cutedge
When discussing the Wii, they told us something that really hit home
for their product as well. “Innovation has a high cost… failure.”

Just because you ran SWG into the ground doesn't mean that anything that has innovative elements in it will fail.

Did Bioware have anything to do with SWG?  I've never heard anything about that?  I'm pretty sure they didn't, but ever since I touched SWG in beta I've stayed far far away so I'm definitely out of touch.  If so it would definitely temper my expectations...

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No. The only association BioWare has is that they did the original Knights of the Old Republic. They had nothing to do with SWG as a company.

FikusOfAhazi

thanks for getting that interview for us:)

Flatfingers

Vogel and Walton both worked on SWG.

Rich Vogel was a senior producer for SWG, and worked closely with Raph Koster on the design of SWG.

Personally, I'd argue that this makes Vogel one of the good guys. The original design of SWG was great.

Also, Gordon Walton was the head guy for SWG development for a while (the late 2004 timeframe, if I recall correctly) until he left to pursue "other opportunities." Until his departure, he was generally considered by the folks who were active on the official forum to be saying and doing the right things for the game. No one's sure, of course, but the widely-held suspicion was that Walton was actually too much in the players' corner, an attitude that did not mesh with the plans for SWG held by other producers.

It's a bunch of guesswork, really. But for all the self-inflicted wounds endured by SWG, Vogel and Walton are among the few who didn't fire multiple rounds at their own feet. BioWare Austin will probably do very well to have them on board to develop an innovative MMORPG.

--Flatfingers

SpiritCrawler

Since the press release of BioWare Austin I have been excited. BioWare's reputation as an excellent RPG producer has made me estatic from the get go. Whatever BioWare creates I know that it will bring many aspects into reality. BioWare will be uniting the non-combat player and the combat player perfectly in the game world, regardless of the theme. I'd like to thank you, Dana, for your hardwork. I wasn't expecting anything from BioWare at E3; however, this simple interview with them shows me that they have a presence which should not be overlooked. I am hoping for a Sci-Fi theme; however, I will leave myself in BioWare's care. They will deliver a beautiful MMO, whatever the theme is.

Zapani

Great article! Thanks MMORPG.com

shamall

BioWare has a good reputation with their past games which I believe is also why Blizzard did so well with WoW. Everything I have heard so far gives me hope that they are working on something that just might bring a much needed refreshment to the mmo scene. I also like how they commented on other mmo's like the PvP in DAoC , which I agree is the best PvP design to date, and seem to be taking notes. They also see the importance of crafting, economics and mainly the community being a key factor in mmo games.

Daveydje

So... we have 2 exSWG people running a new Bioware Studio (who have connections with Lucas Art via KotOR), working on a secret MMO project...

Please please a new Star Wars MMO.

SpiritCrawler

There is a good chance of it being a Star Wars MMO, but I wouldn't place my heart on the idea. Time will tell us what marvelous theme BioWare uses.

naldric

I m pretty sure it wont be a SW MMO game, just because i wish they did wont make me believe they will, come back to reality guys, it will probably be an original title in an original world. SOE probably have an EXCLUSIVE licence for a SW MMO, like most of the big licenses have...

KenshuAni

Very nice article.  I have to say that I am excited about Bioware's project.

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Originally posted by Lepidus

To help bring the game’s vision into focus, James Ohlen has moved to their Austin office. The ten-year BioWare veteran is the Creative Director for the entire studio. He worked on all the classics, like Baldur’s Gate, and will combine that single-player RPG experience with the MMO know-how of Vogel and Walton. He brings the signature BioWare design and storytelling to their project.
The primary high-level goal of BioWare Austin’s project is to apply that brand of storytelling to an MMORPG. They want NPCs to be more than “pez dispensers” and players to feel “epic”. Whatever they produce, it will be a story driven game.

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I am a little worried about the "story driven" part.  While I think that Bioware has an excellent creative staff, a MMOG is vastly different from single player games.  When I see "story driven" I think of my recent foray into City of Villains.  While the story was quite fun, I saw no reason to continue with the game afterwards.

Still, I am more than willing to give Bioware a chance to try this out.  I hope they succeed!

Rayx0r

You SWG fans dont give bioware much credit

they are extremely innovative and creative.  They have made argueably the best RPGs ever to hit the PC.

I seriously dont think they will pick up Star Wars as it is currently licensed to Sony who are (as all of you put it) money grubbers.  They got their hands on a ticket and they will keep tossing it around until they tire of it.  God knows they wont give that license up to someone else to profit from.  Theres just way too many negatives why Bioware would not and can not do this. 

The only reason a lot of you have to think this way is because it opened up shop in Austin and they made a Star Wars game.  You should really investigate how many game companies (especially MMO's) are based out of Austin.  Its becoming a game developers mecca

keep thinking there will be another SWG put out by Bioware and yer setting yourselves up for disappointment

Im not meaning this to be a flame, but this speculation has gone on way too long and its very over the top.

Personally I have no assumptions as to what they might develop.  But a company like bioware is always the cream of the crop in their ventures.  My guess is a Planescape type MMO but thats wishful thinking

LatH123

I am very looking forward to this. BioWare is the company which made (in my eyes) the very best and most replayabale game ever brought to the PC: Neverwinter Nights. I play(ed) many MMORPG but I always return back to the LMBSMORPG* called Neverwinter Nights. The game is endless if you use the package right (that is, if you look further than the crappy original campaign which is the only thing that tends to get reviewed on game websites). I am looking forward to NWN2 (not by BioWare btw), but if BioWare steps into the world of MMORPG - that is GREAT news.

* Less Massive But Still Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game.

Ebenezzer

I don't know what it's going to be but with Bioware, it's got to be good. I have KOTOR and it's the best RPG I have ever played. I hope we get more news soon.

Moriendor

I think we can rule out a Star Wars MMO after this article. Did you notice how Walton stressed how it's great to be working for a company now that prefers quality work over rush jobs? That was a direct jab at LucasArts. LucasArts is well known for their 'schedule > polishing' policy thanks to their president Jim Ward who has no background in gaming and just doesn't understand the necessity to delay a game's/publish's launch sometimes. LucasArts is crazy. They ordered expansions from SOE for SWG like you order fast food in a restaurant. It's no wonder that the game never had a chance to achieve any level of decent quality. Well, whatever it is that BioWare is working on, it ain't Star Wars. This pretty much confirms it.

BaronJuJu

“[MMORPGs are] too MUD driven,” said Vogel, who was part of the original Ultima Online design team. “MMOs publish people way too much… I think MMOs are too hardcore.”

I was a little intrigued by this comment. Did they offer anymore insight into why they thought this was so?

damocles88

I say amen.  After SWG tried to be all things to all people (I say Kudos to Koster and Ko for trying) most MMOs went the opposite direction.  Now everyone caters to hard(er) core players.  Even WoW is "hardcore" compared to many of the people I played with in the early days of SWG. 

I MISS TERRIBLY meeting non-gamer type players in SWG by hanging out in cantinas and doing non-combat activities.  /shrug.  My wife played SWG for a year and a half.  She got bored with WoW in
one day, City of Heroes in two and laughs uproarously when I suggest we play any
game that has any sort of PVP.  I'd like to play with her and more
people like her. 

I want to see MMOs with economies, well developed crafting, political games, social games, entertainers, complex and single-player-like questing that involves non-combat strategies, etc.  I myself like combat, especially PvE, so I have zero interest in playing Seed or the Tale series games... I'm still looking for something as big and engrossing as SWG was in its early days. 

I don't have a problem with the MMOs out now, I have a lot of fun with many of them (I rotate through about eight different subscriptions every month). 

I just want to see someone go out on a limb like SWG did and try to appeal to more, non-MMO people.

Dana

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Originally posted by BaronJuJu

“[MMORPGs are] too MUD driven,” said Vogel, who was part of the original Ultima Online design team. “MMOs publish people way too much… I think MMOs are too hardcore.”

I was a little intrigued by this comment. Did they offer anymore insight into why they thought this was so?

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I believe it ties back into their thinking the games were too "MUD based". MUDs were for a very hardcore audience and the entire style from EQ on (not so much on the skill-based UO side) was based on that. Basically, it boils down to innovation. If they're going away from the MUD model, they need to go somewhere else. From what they said, it sounds like a heavily BioWare style story based game.

SpiritCrawler

Dana,

Is there a possiblity of MMORPG.com requesting another interview in a couple of months? I'd like to see if we could squeeze any more answers out of them. By the way, thanks for your time. I love you.

Anofalye

No negation either on any product.

I am sure BioWare could afford the MMO itself.  I am somehow convince they are at least partners...with either WotC or Lucas.  WotC would prolly give them a total greenlight on almost anything, considering the past experience of BioWare.  Lucas would prolly insists to approve everything and anything and considering Lucas tastes to screw a heavy story-driven oriented game...

I am inclined to believe it is not with Lucas, they underline often 'story-driven' and after the KOTOR2 experience, I am pretty sure they would not underline that so eargerly if they would be working with Lucas.

I may be wrong...I am merely supposing.

But as a 'hardcore fan' who is extremely please with the 'casual' approach...I would feel comfortable to wage at 20 vs. 1 that it is not a project with Lucas.  Again, maybe they are very positive and don't mind all the story who was destroyed by Lucas in KOTOR2 (but was still on the CD so we, the players, can still enjoy it!!!).

WotC?  70% odds it is!  Leave like 29% for something else!  If you take into account the 'success' of DDO, WotC is prolly anxious to get another product launched on the D&D franchise, and who better than the trustworthy peoples at BioWare?  Peoples who know their franchise better than they do themselves!

Bah, now my mind is raving about stuff like DragonLance or FR!!!  Damn my cursed mind, deductions over deductions over deductions...that is getting a little far in the line, isn't it?  But well...only a fan guess!    But what if they know that I would have made such deductions and put those lines on purpose to confuse me?  And what if they think I had think they would have known that I would know they know....

And what if they would be making a Fallout 3?  I can't rule that out!   Ahhhhh my sanity!    Or maybe BG 3?  *start drooling over the keyboard*

Go BioWare Go!  Show them all what TRUE devs are, to those non-RPGs makers who build MMORPGs and entrap your fans in such hateful systems (aka raiding)! 

Brynn

Ok, this article made me all excited, until I read the console comments. It's my opinion that creating a game for the console just ruins it for me, since I use the computer and I like the versatility of a computer game and the ability to work with the interface to my preference. But, I guess I can't fight it, seems to be the wave of the future. Why, I don't know. Doesn't make sense to me.