Ray-Muzyka
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A game without violence? BioWare thinks it's possible with the right audience
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?
Muzyka thinks new Mythic/BioWare group is a collaboration opportunity
Gamasutra and BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka sat down to chat about EA's first genre-focused group, aptly named the RPG/MMO Group. The original announcement was kind of vague, which really got people speculating over what it meant. ("RPG" before "MMO" in the group title? That must be a sign! Of what, who knows.)In the interview, Muzyka finally explains just what exactly the new Group entails: "It's a collaboration opportunity. Each of the groups continues to make the same thing in their [own locations]. But it's fuelling and enabling more communication, collaboration, best practice sharing, encouraging each other to play each others' games -- but no formal change per se in what anybody's doing."There do not appear to be any plans for co-development or tech-sharing between Mythic and BioWare just yet, but it is something the group is looking at. "We're all part of the same company at the end of the day. We're studios within the same organization, which is a group now within the EA Games label."Tech-sharing could really be to Mythic's benefit right now as they're still grappling with server stability and client performance issues nearly a year after release. It has gotten to the point where they are even considering stripping fortresses, the primary culprit for such issues, from Warhammer Online.
Mythic's Mark Jacobs leaves EA
Mark Jacobs, the former General Manager of Mythic Entertainment and Lead Designer of Warhammer Online, has left EA on 23rd June, the company announced today. This comes as part of restructuring plans within EA which includes both Mythic and BioWare and have culminated in the formation of a new, as-yet-unnamed, studio which will focus on RPGs and MMOs. The new studio will be led by BioWare co-founder and General Manager Ray Muzyka, who will become Group General Manager. BioWare's other co-founder Greg Zeschuk will become Group Creative Officer while Rob Denton will succeed Jacobs as General Manager.You can certainly expect more from us as this story develops.[Via The Examiner]
Wii viewed as 'intriguing' to BioWare
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.
BioWare's founders emphasize the importance of storytelling in their games
BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk were the keynote speakers at Game Developers Conference Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia yesterday. Their speech was titled Emotionally Engaging Narrative: Gaming's New Frontier. Given BioWare's huge portfolio of successful story-driven games, it's no surprise they had a lot to talk about.Not all game-types need a good narrative to be successful or fun (e.g., Bejewelled, Tetris, etc.), but MMORPGs could probably benefit from a greater emphasis on compelling and engaging storytelling. Both Ray and Greg talked about various types of narrative, including linear and non-linear, active and passive, and internal and external.We know that story will be the fourth pillar of design in Star Wars: The Old Republic and here's an example of external narrative they say we'll see when it releases: "Manipulation of world server data based on a broad range of user activities can actually change the game world." We're not quite sure what that means, but here are a couple guesses: Online voting to determine the next expansion race or fan fiction making it into the game's narrative.
BioWare talks EA acquisition, Dragon Age perception
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.
BioWare's Muzyka, Zeschuk keynoting GDC Canada 2009
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.
Mass Effect 2 won't 'shy away from emotionally engaging moments'
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'.
BioWare CEO on potential future MMOs
With the MMO world all abuzz about BioWare's upcoming MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic, it's not too terribly surprising to hear that they're considering other MMO projects down the line. Gamers have already shown they're very receptive to BioWare joining the MMO fray, at least if the comments here are any indication. With the potential of making more money than just the initial box sales, having a successful MMO in the fold has to be an attractive proposition for game companies in today's market - even with the risks. Of course, while we're not surprised they jumped in on PC MMO gaming, we were a bit surprised to once again hear MMOs and consoles come into the discussion. In an interview with Play, BioWare CEO Dr Ray Muzyka discusses the potential of crossing over briefly, remarking "There's challenges with the interface – making sure that the features players expect in an MMO are enabled and are feasible on a console. If those can be overcome, and I think it would be a good challenge to try, then yeah... people like playing with other players." Guess we'll have to wait and see how SWTOR goes for BioWare first, but who knows - perhaps SOE will see some more competition for PS3 MMOs after all.[Via Joystiq]
BioWare CEO talks PS3 development, MMOs
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.
BioWare opens new studio in Montreal, Mass Effect 2 up first
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.
BioWare CEO also wishing for a one console world
We've heard this one before, folks, that classic vision of a one-console world. Apparently, BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka shares in this big publisher/developer fever dream, and who could blame him? The idea of developing one game on a single console with a massive install base on a closed platform is quite obviously a great deal for a developer, and also for publishers having to put up the cash. But ultimately there's no reason for competition in a world like that, which a large part of the reason console gaming thrives as it does now.At least it looks like BioWare has a strong affinity for consoles yet. So maybe there's a console version of Star Wars: The Old Republic in our future, although whether or not it's going to be on the one console to rule them all or not is still up in the air, we guess. BioWare has finally unveiled Star Wars: The Old Republic, their new MMO! Massively's got you covered on all the details. Check out our comprehensive guide on everything we know so far about the game, or just peruse our screenshot/concept art galleries. Join us in the Galaxy far, far away!
BioWare CEO is confident in the state of PC gaming
BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka is standing behind PC games, directly opposing all of the naysayers that shout the doom of PC gaming from on high.A recent article over at Computer And Video Games.com pointed to Muzyka's confident stance as well as his expression of changing the definition of PC gaming, such as counting in the large growth of MMOs, flash games, and other casual experiences that any PC user can easily access. "MMOs are one way that's occurring... And there are more people playing flash-based games and casual games, even core games that are played in a casual way, so maybe [they have] a more core experience and you only play them for short bursts or for half an hour or something," Muzyka was quoted as saying.One only needs to look at the success of games such as World of Warcraft or any other MMO, as well as the very healthy Steam distribution service to note that PC gaming is far from dead.
First look at Star Wars: The Old Republic in PC Gamer magazine
If ever there was a thing to go all googly-eyed over, it's the first look a Star Wars: The Old Republic. While it's a shame that such information isn't being released onto the web, at least we've got it earlier than most people were expecting. PC Gamer magazine has gotten an exclusive first look at BioWare's incubating MMO, including interviews with creative director James Ohlen, principal lead writer Daniel Erickson, and BioWare co-founders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk.The issue also apparently has exclusive screenshots for anyone brave enough to look. We're sure that what we've seen so far are very early conceptual designs, but it still pains us to see log-sized lightsabers -- even if BioWare is willing to laugh at themselves over it.
Rumor: Mass Effect Trilogy exclusive to the Xbox 360 [Update]
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]
BioWare founders appreciate Conan, tease their MMO
BioWare's founders, Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, have been cagey about the in-development BioWare MMO for months now. Unwilling to do more than talk around the edges of the project, what they have said about it at events like GDC is highly intriguing. In a chat with the folks at the MTV Multiplayer blog, the doctors offer yet more teasing hints about the game, while simultaneously praising the recently launched Age of Conan from Funcom.They view Conan's success as an indicator there is still room in an already-crowded marketplace. They also note that they take very seriously the concerns of solo-oriented and console-only gamers. In essence, Zeschuk says, they've been looking at other games and considering their own path regarding the interactions between players. ""Instead of forcing players to do things; allow them options and choices," said Muzyka. "They can tailor their experience. This is what we're trying to do with our game, as well. This is why we tend to not make linear games. The consumer expects that."" The good doctors also don't rule out the possibility their own title will make its debut on a console ... though they don't say it will either. Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out our Age of Conan destination page, including all of our interviews, hands-ons, galleries and original features!
Joystiq interview: BioWare's Ray Muzyka talks Mass Effect 2, DLC and his favorite interface
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.
Muzyka: BioWare MMO is innovative, polished like WoW
Gamasutra spoke at length with BioWare head honcho Ray Muzyka about living under the EA banner, and his company's vision for its up-and-coming MMO. He assured Gamasutra that the unique identity of BioWare has been preserved despite EA's acquisition, and pointed out studios like DICE and Criterion as other EA acquisition success stories. He noted also that BioWare now has non-mandatory access to all the tools and technologies of the EA family. Of the Austin studio's mysterious MMO project, he said: "It's going to feel like a BioWare game. It's going to have the best of breed of MMO features, and some new innovations that when we reveal them, hopefully they'll be impactful for people." As we learned a while back, he has a positive opinion about World of Warcraft and Blizzard. "I think they've done a great job," he said. "But the fact that people want to play that kind of game is an opportunity to really deliver that level of polish and quality, and innovate in a few key areas, while they continue to innovate in a few key areas, too."Still no word on what those innovations are. Keep on guessing!
Muzyka: Dragon Age looking sweet, Us: [gasp]
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.
Bioware devs debate whether Wii is part of gaming
CEO Ray Muzyka and President Greg Zeschuk of Bioware, a company founded on narrative-centric RPGs, can't seem to decide if the Wii is a game (as opposed to, from what we gather, a toy). In an interview with GameDaily, Zeschuk said, "If gaming is defined by story, then generally Wii may not be," though he immediately expands on that, "The game [4 to 5 people together are] playing is actually very different than the rest of us. What they're doing as a company is like a different flavor."Providing a counterpoint, Muzyaka noted that the Wii experience is "more toy-like" but also said, "there's also a narrative between the players outside the game and kind of fulfills the same things games do. Games are 'toys' in the sense that they're fun." Warren Spector had made a similar designation in an Escapist piece last year, categorizing games like Tetris and Madden akin as "retold" narratives. The above is a rather bare-bones highlight of their discussion, so check out the full interview for more.
