Mark Darrah Defends BioWare’s Anthem Development

Mark Darrah, a long-time member of BioWare, recently defended the studio’s controversial shift to multiplayer games with *Anthem*. This statement came in response to criticisms surrounding the game’s recent shutdown. Many have argued that BioWare should have remained focused on its roots in single-player RPGs.

BioWare’s Evolution and Anthem’s Development

Speaking to Destin Legarie, Darrah, who spent 24 years at BioWare, elaborated on the studio’s decision-making process. He clarified that BioWare has a history of evolving and experimenting with new concepts. “By that argument, we should have never made *Neverwinter Nights*, because we were a 2D RPG maker,” Darrah stated. He contrasted this with the successful launch of *Mass Effect*, emphasizing the studio’s capability to innovate.

Criticism of Electronic Arts

Darrah also addressed the critiques aimed at BioWare’s parent company, Electronic Arts (EA), regarding *Anthem*. “It’s easy to blame EA, and certainly, they deserve some criticism. However, it’s not solely their fault,” he remarked. This sentiment aligns with comments made by *Anthem*’s director, John Warner, who suggested that the game was not a drastic departure from BioWare’s previous titles.

Anthem’s Reception and Future

*Anthem* was launched in February 2019 but received mixed reviews and fell short of its sales expectations. In response to its performance, BioWare announced plans to revise the game’s core mechanics a year post-launch. They initiated an “incubation team” to create a new version of the game. Ultimately, development on *Anthem* ceased in February 2021.

• *Anthem* shutdown is scheduled for January 2026.
• BioWare’s legacy spans titles like *Baldur’s Gate*, *Mass Effect*, and *Dragon Age*.
• Darrah departed BioWare in 2021, alongside Casey Hudson.

Despite its challenges, BioWare maintains that *Anthem* represents a continuous evolution of their craft. Darrah believes that players will eventually appreciate the game for its intricate world and character development, true to the essence of a BioWare experience.