Earlier this year, EA announced that BioWare’s new IP would launch by March 31, 2018. Now, they are singing a different tune.
During a recent investor call, EA CEO Andrew Wilson said that their original plans are no longer valid and that the game was being pushed back. This delay could add anywhere from a few months to an entire year. EA’s 2018 fiscal year runs from April 2018 through March 2019.
This would be the first new IP from the studio since 2009’s Dragon Age: Origins.
BioWare’s New IP: What We Know So Far
All in all, not too many details have surfaced about BioWare’s new title. However, if you were expecting a brand new RPG, you may want to look elsewhere. Back in January, Wilson confirmed that their game is gearing towards the action-adventure genre, albeit keeping a RPG-style character progression.
“We are very pleased with the progress of our new IP from BioWare,” Wilson announced. “The design is stunning. Gameplay mechanics are excellent, and the action will be exhilarating.” He also reiterated that the game will be a “live service”, hinting at a heavy online component.
BioWare general manager Aaryn Flynn confirmed that the studio has been working on the project for 5 years now. “In 2012 we began crafting a new universe full of new characters, stories, and gameplay,” he said in a blog post. “Our ambition is simple: Draw upon 20+ years of development knowledge and lessons to create something fun and new for you to enjoy with your friends.”
With the Mass Effect series rumored to be on hiatus after Andromeda‘s lukewarm reception, a lot of eyes are on the studio. Although we cannot know for certain, it’s quite possible that BioWare will make an appearance at E3 during EA’s conference. If so, we hope to see some first snippets of their big new project and maybe the first teaser trailer.
