Ray-Muzyka
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BioWare doctors add 'AIAS Hall of Fame' to credentials
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.
From the VGAs Red Carpet: Bioware's Doctors
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."
Bigpoint vs. BioWare: CEO says The Old Republic will never be profitable
As a high-profile MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic is proving itself to be a big target for attack. Bigpoint, the German game developer that's working on Battlestar Galactica Online, stepped up to take a swing at the as-of-yet-unreleased title. At the London Games Conference, Bigpoint CEO Heiko Hubertz made the bold prediction that The Old Republic will never see a profit: "If you look at Star Wars from EA and BioWare, they estimated a development budget of over $100 million. This is an online game for many million of subscribers, so the publisher does not understand that a subscription model is not the future. With microtransactions maybe I see the game having a chance but I don't think that EA or BioWare will ever be profitable with this game." EA BioWare has yet to release a definite pricing plan for TOR, although it is widely believed it will be subscription-based. Earlier this year, Dr. Ray Muzyka said that there will be "more of the traditional business model with maybe some twists as well."
BioWare Docs talk Dragon Age, Mass Effect, The Old Republic plans
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.
BioWare doctors "disappointed" in EA Louse
BioWare founders Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka recently sat down for a lengthy interview with Eurogamer. The doctors discussed Dragon Age II, Mass Effect 2, and more importantly for MMORPG fans, Star Wars: The Old Republic. In terms of a release window, Muzyka confirmed 2011 for the Star Wars opus but wouldn't commit to the first half, second half, or any other portion of the year. The interview also addressed the recent rant by EA Louse that, in part, predicted The Old Republic would be "one of the greatest failures in the history of MMOs" and that also decried working conditions at BioWare-Mythic. Zeschuk and Muzyka mentioned the fact that BioWare recently won a top 100 employers award and invests both time and money into bettering the workplace environment for employees. When pressed as to the credibility of the anonymous poster, the doctors dismissed the posting as difficult to act upon. "We sit down and do an open forum with all the employees and get feedback from them. We welcome one-on-one feedback. When we get stuff we can improve and act on we do it," Muzyka said. Finally, the interview touches on the financial gamble that TOR represents for BioWare and Electronic Arts, and neither founder comes across as particularly concerned. "We know millions and millions of people out there love this universe, and we're delivering a great game experience in that universe," Muzyka said. Head to Eurogamer for the full article text.
PS3 Mass Effect 2 to have 'seamless introduction,' integrates 'a lot' of DLC
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."
Baldur's Gate was almost an MMO
reddit_url='http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/baldurs-gate-was-almost-an-mmo/' Tweet var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/pc_games/Baldur_s_Gate_was_almost_an_MMO_Massively'; For those of you who remember Baldur's Gate, we want you to close your eyes and imagine it as an MMO. For the time it released (the mid-90s), it quite possibly could have been the first MMO, at that. At a recent GDC Europe panel for BioWare, studio founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk had some fun with the audience, reminiscing on what might have been. The original game's title was Battleground Infinity and was pitched to five publishers as a massively multiplayer online game that revolved around mythological gods. Interplay are the ones who pushed the doctors toward the Dungeons & Dragons RPG route, which I'm pretty sure worked out for them in the end.
BioWare bosses see potential, challenges in Move and Natal
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."
Interview: BioWare's Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka
"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
BioWare and EA expect 2+ million subs, potential pricing model 'twists'
As if the idea of 100% voiced dialogue trees wasn't ambitious enough in an MMO property, word has now come out that EA and BioWare are expecting to have two million subscriptions for Star Wars: The Old Republic. In a genre where only one game has ever exceeded two million subscribers at $15 per month, that's a very high standard to put yourself up against. There again, we are talking about Star Wars, beloved by geeks the world over. We're also talking about BioWare, who have blown many gamers away with the awesomeness of Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age: Origins. The other thing that gives us pause is the recent discussion in regards to some "potential pricing twists" that Dr. Ray Muzyka of BioWare mentioned while talking to the folks at Kotaku. While subscriptions are being mentioned, others have noticed some indications for microtransactions as well. Whether we're looking at a blended model like Champions Online, more the traditional sub with less-often used macrotransactions like World of Warcraft, or something else altogether remains to be seen. In any event, it's certainly going to be interesting to watch whether or not Star Wars: The Old Republic will be able to retain the subscriber numbers they hope to.
BioWare talks Warhammer Online's forthcoming expansions
In a recent GDC 2010 interview with UGO, BioWare's Dr. Ray Muzyka said of Warhammer Online, "Right now it's [a] really profitable business unit within my group." Muzyka went on to say they've actually seen more people come into the game since enacting the free-to-play model on the game's earlier levels, and that he personally felt they were working. In fact, by the sounds of it, Warhammer Online is due for some interesting announcements in the future. Another of Muzyka's comments on the title was, "We have new content planned and all kinds of cool expansions for it." We don't know how much more clear cut a message can be than that. And hey, it's good news! We're looking forward to our playable Skaven and Lizardmen, Mythic and BioWare.
Bungie & BioWare discuss franchise maintenance at GDC
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.
The Mass Effect bible is 'quite large,' BioWare's Muzyka assures
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?
Ray Muzyka: Bioware producing a lot of content, more to come at E3
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]
Dragon Age 'Return to Ostagar' DLC returning next week
The 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?
BioWare's Ray Muzyka on how to make single-player gaming more social
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.
BioWare considers storytelling challenge of multiplayer experiences
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."
PS3's Dragon Age: Origins back on track for Nov. 3
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!
PlayStation UK Blog brings BioWare doctors in for Dragon Age live chat
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.
George Lucas involved with The Old Republic
This may not come as much of a surprise to Star Wars fans but according to BioWare's own Ray Muzyka, George Lucas is keeping an eye on Star Wars: The Old Republic. Of course, Lucas tends to keep an eye on generally everything LucasArts does, so this isn't so much a revelation as it is confirmation. Although it's important to point out that Muzyka has never personally shown anything to Lucas, not even that awesome CG trailer from E3, apparently.We can't say we're too surprised, either. While Lucas may have never played World of Warcraft, he certainly must've felt a disturbance in the cash-flow force. With the potential of Star Wars: The Old Republic reaching new heights in the MMO industry, you can bet Lucas isn't the only one keeping an eye on things.
