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Report: BioWare San Francisco closes, up to 30 staffers laid off
According to a report on GamesRadar, BioWare San Francisco – the studio formerly known as EA2D and responsible for titles like Dragon Age Legends and Mirror's Edge 2D – has been closed by EA, leaving between 25 to 30 employees jobless. Citing a source inside the studio, the report suggests EA felt it was "too expensive" to make mobile games in Redwood Shores, CA.Joystiq has followed up with EA to check the veracity of this claim. Dragon Age Legends' servers were shut off last year, but the developers at BioWare San Francisco were kind enough to make an offline version available for fans to continue to play.
EA sees success in Dead Space and Mirror's Edge ... after a 'lifetime performance'
EA's European Senior VP Patrick Söderlund has expressed optimism about the long-term success of new IPs Dead Space and Mirror's Edge in a conversation with Gamasutra. "If you analyze games like Dead Space and Mirror's Edge for their lifetime performance, I bet you'll find them to be seen as successful," said Söderlund, communicating a commitment to both franchises. Söderlund went on to echo Glen Schofield's remarks regarding the not-too-brilliant plan of releasing both titles during the extremely competitive holiday season, admitting that EA could have "done a better job" scheduling its release calendar. Still, EA seems determined to forge ahead with both franchises in tow. We have a hunch gamers will support that decision -- so long as Dead Space doesn't turn into this and Mirror's Edge into that.[Via guardian.co.uk]
EA's Glen Schofield hopes Sony can 'figure it out'
Speaking to GI.biz, EA Redwood Shores manager Glen Schofield expressed hope that Sony can figure out what to do with PS3's relatively high price tag in a time of economic woe. The conglomerate faces massive losses from its computer entertainment division and declining sales for its flagship console, but Sony doesn't seem to see a problem. Some suggest a price cut would be beneficial (and believe is actually on the way), but Schofield isn't sure it's the best direction: "You know, I can't tell them what to do. I don't know their finances." So what is Sony to do? It seems like the company is caught between a rock and a hard place. "They've been such a great, great partner," said Schofield. "I hope they get out of this and they figure it out and they're around for a long time." If outsiders like Schofield are worried for Sony ... imagine what its employees are feeling.
EA's Schofield sticks to 'quality games' mantra
Though EA's pledge to focus on quality games and new IP may have resulted in critical approval and a more positive image among gamers, the company has still been forced to take serious financial cost-cutting measures in recent months. Thankfully, Glen Schofield, manager of EA's Redwood Shores studio, isn't about to let some unpleasant realities get in the way of staff morale and a commitment to top-notch titles."I said, look, I can't tell you if this is the end or not, but we're making some great games here," Schofield relayed to GI.biz. "If we continue to make great games, if we continue to push this, we're not going to lose our jobs. Because we're making great stuff." The studio hopes to follow up the positively received but commercially disappointing survival-horror, Dead Space, with potentially great stuff like The Godfather II and hellish actioner Dante's Inferno.Schofield reportedly told his staff, "People who aren't making great games are going to lose their jobs. But if you're making quality and we continue to push on that, and you're a quality person then you're going to keep your job." That almost sounds like a threat, doesn't it? Talk about the man(tra) sticking it to you.
Get an early taste of what Dead Space Wii could be
With yesterday's announcement that EA's very creepy, very good Dead Space would eventually make its way onto Wii, it seems the community has been left with nothing but questions. Well, we can't answer any of those questions right now, but we can present to you the next best thing: a video of someone playing the game with a Wiimote. Head past the break to check it out.
Hands-on: Dead Space
In Dead Space no-one can hear you s- ... No, never mind. Dead Space deserves better than an intro like that. I'm not sure whether you've heard, but this game is fast becoming a favorite for GOTY throughout the Joystiq network. We've seen it several times now between E3, Leipzig and PAX and each time we come out impressed. The latest build, shown off at the Penny Arcade Expo, put more emphasis on the anti-grav platforming and puzzle solving, further cementing in my mind that this may be one of this year's greatest titles.It's hard to pinpoint exactly what gives me that impression. It's not one specific element of the game, but rather the way all of Dead Space's facets fit together in the package. Graphically and stylistically the game is designed to put you on edge. It's not comfortable. You're an everyman, trapped in a spaceship overrun with zombie-like aliens. Everything feels very gothic and dark. Even the main character's space suit makes him look monstrous.You've heard about the menus before, no doubt. How they pull you into the game by being a part of the game world. I could've spent hours navigating those holographic projection menus, watching Isaac's head move as he watches you check out your inventory, almost voyeuristicly. Item drops appear similarly, with a holographic window appearing as you approach, showing what's on the ground. Again, these exist in real space and can be seen from all sides as you rotate your camera around.%Gallery-25378%
