There is no dispute, what BioWare – main developer of role -playing games in the industry, creator Baldur’s Gate And Knight of the Old Republic, Mass Effect And Dragon Age. The Canadian studio, which began its existence with three people, has become a multimillion -dollar corporation and part Electronic Arts (goats that almost buried this wonderful company). They made many details in the genre RPG and pushed his borders. BioWare gave us dozens of hours of true pleasure, interesting stories, charismatic characters and truly unforgettable emotions. Their work is truly worthy of books and films. It’s time to remember how it all began.
Today hardly anyone can argue that the genre RPG I would not have gained such popularity if not for the games of this company. Exactly BioWare I came up with my games so that they would give pleasure to both hardcore players and ordinary gamers. On their creative path, they went through a lot – more than once they changed their owners, experienced numerous changes in the structure of their company. But their games hold the bar of quality, despite our time in which soulless commercial projects are produced. Distinctive features of games BioWare There have always been a honed gaming mechanics, well -fed stories, exciting our human spirit, as well as living worlds in which many gamers on planet Earth are immersed with the head.
Clause 1: Birth of the Legend.
Let’s start with the fact that BioWare Still began to emerge in the heads of three graduates with medical specialties: Ray Muziki, Greg Zeschuk and Augustine Yip.
Meet (from left to right) – Ray Muzika And Greg Zeschuk.
AND………. (Damn, guys, I was looking for a photo everywhere Augustine Yip, But I did not find). And I seem to know why his photos are not online.
Ray music He recalls that this happened at an ordinary breakfast – it was then that friends first came to the opinion that it would be nice to make their game.
“It was one of the usual days, the same as all the others. This was one of the days of 1994, as usual, in the morning we met with Grel, we always have breakfast together, we looked into each other’s eyes and said that it was time to act and create our own company. Within an hour, we changed our fate, we left behind our medical career and stepped into our future game designers. After we figured out all the documentation that we needed to create companies, we registered it in February 1995. Our third companion was JIP, but in 1997 he abandoned the game building and took up a medical career, he still practices, an excellent doctor. Video games have always been our main hobby, as in fact, all the employees of our companies. We are very passionate about them and this is what helps us focus on what directions we should move in ”.
Ray Muzika
So arises BioWare, The name lies in the play: ""Bio" – Life and"Ware" – Programs.
As it usually arises with cool companies, office BioWare served as an ordinary basement belonging Greg Zeschuk. Their first game was a roboto-explosion Shattehed Steel, published back in 1996.Shattehed Steel – This is a game in the genre of action released BioWare For MS-DOS, and later ported to Mac OS. It is notable for the fact that this is the first game about robots where the deformable landscape system is used. In general, this project can be called an experiment to verify the forces.
Here it is, the first creation of the newly born legend.
The release of this game was so successful that BioWare Immediately secured the support of a prominent publisher in the person InterPlay, who began to persuade BioWare make a sequel. By the way, at least five offices offered their publishing services, however BioWare I chose exactly Interplay Brian Fargo. Here the developers “shot” so cool.
Clause 2: Early years of activity.
The company rejected persuasion InterPlay Create a sequel Shattehed Steel, After all BioWare outlined its own line of development. Two years after the release Shattehed Steel, In 1998, the studio produces Baldur’s Gate, Historical importance of a role -playing game of enormous.
Much has begun with this game, I must admit.
Yes,Baldur’s Gate obviously ahead of time and dispersed the already racing genre to supersonic speed. Industry in those days was a lot of shaking Blizzard with his revolutionary Diablo, Therefore, the publishers began to annoy the developers to do something like a role actionBlizzard. Baldur’s Gate Different from Diablo And a couple with Fallout proved that players are interesting RPG And a little different shape. In terms of sales at BioWare I almost managed to catch up with Blizzard – about two million copies were implemented Baldur’s Gate. Soon BioWare I launched a sequel into production and at the same time wanted to make a continuation of a humorous action from the company Shinny called MDK.
Here, in fact, is Shiny’s work.
Developers determine the creation MDK 2 the fact that they wanted to gain experience in working with consoles. Unfortunately, MDK 2 is not the best game BioWare, But this experience helped the company to become even faster. In the same year when he came out MDK 2, The release occurs Baldur’s Gate 2, finally fixed the success of Canadians. It was a typical sequel, only competently multiplied by two. From now on, at BioWare A huge audience appeared. Well, just handsome!
Clause 3: new stunning projects.
And so BioWare again outlined the next large -scaleRPG. Unfortunately, the publisher InterPlay, experiences financial difficulties, retired. The new publisher acted Atari.
The new game was called Neverwinter Nights.
Oh, what a gloomy, but at the same time atmospheric logo of this game.
The game is as smart, complicated as itBaldur’s Gate, but with your trump card in the sleeve. And it turned out to be an editor called Aurora Toolset – A tool that allows users to realize all their fantasies in the framework of a given universe. By the way, the soundtrack wrote himself Jeremy Soul, known for the series of games The Elder Scrolls. Second part Neverwinter Nights develops Obsidian Entertainment. And I must admit, the sequel became much closer to the people, while the game did not lose its virtues. A lot of additions have already come to this franchise. You just have to play in Neverwinter Nights, but also in Baldur’s Gate Same. Well, we go to the game with which I began to get acquainted with creativity BioWare.
And here BioWare Franchise rights fall "Star wars"! Myself Lucas Then he just worked hard on new episodes, so the franchise was in the wake of attention. And christened the next masterpiece as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Knights of the Old Republic).
This is the best game on Star Wars . Say thanks BioWare, otherwise they would play in all sorts of "post -shooters" in this franchise.
They decided to discard the game as far as possible – four thousand years ago. This opened a huge field for experiments. In fact, one could tell any story, but at the same time it should comply with all the rules of this franchise.
“When working with a license, we devote a huge amount of time to study and understand why its fans like this universe, and only then we try to create a game adventure that would emotionally correspond to the expectations of fans", – said the authors.
IN Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic The developers have laid out what we are usually used to seeing in the games of this company. The adoption of important decisions affecting the plot of the game, charismatic heroes, with whom it is interesting to communicate and the ability to play out both the hero and bad. And the dialogs for this game were written by the Canadian writer and screenwriter of Ukrainian origin Drew Karpishin. In the future, he will write dialogs for the first two parts of Mass Effect, as well as for MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Here, know the people of this wonderful person. Without his https://captainmarlincasino.uk/ participation, there would be no such wonderful dialogues and charismatic characters.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic not just shot, she rumbled. 2003 was interesting and rich in good games, but Kotor objectively was ahead of everyone. Other developers also recognized these, what can we say about players and critics. The project has earned about a hundred awards, among which, for example, there was an authoritative ""The game of the year»According to BAFTA. Eh, if you knew what a cool finale there.
The second part was no longer developed BioWare, A Obsidian Entertainment. What can I say, the game is good, but unfortunately, not a masterpiece. But Obsidian, Still, I really tried. After Kotor The expectations of the public were prohibitive. And left Jade Empire.
You should play this game. Eastern themes, especially from BioWare
To the release Dragon Age 2, It was the most controversial game of the Canadian studio. Jade Empire It seems to have answered all quality standards, sent to meet adventures to a unique and unusual universe and was generally a pretty good game, but something was still missing. The similarity was felt with Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic, including in philosophical terms, but Jade Empire was already perceived. There was no charm and emotional involvement. BioWare made a project for the soul and without complaints about the revolution. However, for lovers of eastern topics – attached.
Clause 4: Bioware – just titans .
Well, now, ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about the projects that I personally have (and others too) "They demolished the tower"It was simply impossible to break away from these projects. But also, let’s talk about the problems of the studio. And we will start with the simply magnificent hit (as well as a mega-steep franchise) under the name Mass Effect.
How I love the captain Shepard and his mega is a cool team.
But for starters, I want to introduce you to one very interesting personality
Meet. Casey Hudson Prophetic person.
And I must admit, for a very long time the guy could not decide on his future career. After all Casey I wanted to be a musician, and a pilot, and God He knows who else. At the same time, without much enthusiasm, he received a higher engineering education. Estimates left much to be desired and in the end Casey Excluded from the university. But after some time, he nevertheless recovered and graduated from the university. Another hobby in the guy’s life was programming, and in 1998 Casey I came across a vacancy in a recently created BioWare. After joining the company, the guy’s life has changed dramatically. He began a technical artist atMDK2, became the head of the project on Knights of the Old Republic, And in the end Casey – This is the main person mega – cool franchise called Mass Effect.
As is often the case with cool projects, the team could not give him a form for a long time. There were only sketches of both visual and plot. And once Casey came up with a plot about reasonable machines hiding in the depths of the cosmos, and once every few thousand years they return and arrange "Total Armageddon". Such an idea a little – slightly stirred the team, but not as fast as I wanted.
By the way, it is worth noting that such a plot technique will form the basis of another, no less important game BioWare, But about her a little later. And again the team was faced with creative difficulties. "What to do next?" – the developers asked themselves. And here Casey The just brilliant thought came. “What if you develop the ideas laid down in Star Wars: Knight of the Old Republic, where in the finale you had to make a choice between good and evil? Just offer players a choice constantly. Branch the plot into dozens and hundreds of options. Moreover, not only in the first part, but also in subsequent continuations, so that the choice made in the original is reflected even in the finale. ". And here is the development " went like clockwork." The idea of making decisions is very cool, I still remember the best points in the trilogy Mass Effect. For example, an emotional conflict with a crog Rex On the planet Vermair or "Rostings»Banks with the Turian Garrus On the roof of one of the buildings in Citades. But in fact, touching for the soul of moments in the trilogyMass Effect A lot, both in joyful and in a sad sense.
You just look at them, you will see this only at BioWare.
And so, the game came out. The public and critics positively appreciated the project. The only nit -picking to the game was a bad combat system. And let’s not forget that the company has always been famous for the iconic mechanics. "We really made a defective masterpiece" – admitted Greg Zeschuk. The team clearly knew what was capable of more. Well, at this moment we will postpone the trilogy Mass Effect, And let’s talk about no less mega – cool franchise. And this name mega-popular trilogy – Dragon Age.
Here it is, my favorite fantasy is the universe. And not only mine.
Development Dragon Age Origins began during the first Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. BioWare We decided that Dragon Age Origins It will be a sort of mixture Neverwinter Nights and Baldur’s Gate, just not as hardcore as before. But also the concept Mass Effect, related to permanent adoptions, did not bypass. But it was in this game that this concept was made on a truly cool one, and besides, they improved "Social elements", What is famous BioWare. Those who played the first Mass Effect Surely they noticed that it was not interesting to talk with all the characters and there was no interaction between your partners. Your team interacted only with you, but not with each other. And besides, all your partners treated you good. BioWare I decided to change such elements. IN Dragon Age Origins A special loyalty scale has been added, because now your partners will treat you in different ways, based on your actions. Someone will like you, someone will hate you, someone will want to leave your team or even kill. I personally had one such situation when my partner alone did not like my actions, and he decided to take command of the detachment for himself. As a result, we had a quarrel, up to the fight. I had to load the last conservation to try to settle this conflict. But you know, ideally, you can find an approach to all your team members. That’s what it means, truly live partners. After all, now they could spread a couple of phrases during tasks, it is pleasant to communicate with them with all. And besides, you can give gifts to your companions, but each of them has its own tastes and preferences. You literally be able to "To recognize the characters of your companions". And unlike the same firstMass Effect, gameplay here is just cool. What can I say,Dragon Age Origins She shot to the fullest, she was praised at every step, she received many awards. Straight sort of Playing " The Lord of the Rings", Only without hobbits and Rings of omnipotence.
How nice to chat with your team at the evening fire.
Well, now let’s get back to Mass Effect. Well, the time has come for the second attempt after the first part.
What a cool and brutal logo of the second part. How are you doing Shepard? (Captain, captain Shepard). Hello Tane. You look great today, Miranda.
In terms of work, Mass Effect 2 was a typical sequel, where they improved everything that could be improved. Especially the studio paid attention to the action, which almost everyone did not like in the first part. They tried to make it more convenient, more functional and corny cooler. Nothing special was foreseen in the plot. The difficult period of acquaintance with the Universe and the infusion into the world was left behind, it was still far from the final, and therefore the writers calmly continued those lines that began in the original, and sent the heroes into a leisurely adventure to unite galactic peoples. From now on, in this game all the characters are truly interesting, there is also a system of loyalty to you. Only now partners interact with each other only in certain situations in the plot of the game, and even then not all. But compared to the first part, this is a big step for Mass Effect 2, All the same Dragon Age Origins had a strong influence on the game. There was a huge hit at the exit. Mass Effect 2 praised on every corner, noting that this is an exemplary sequel and one of the best games BioWare. Everyone was satisfied, including Casey Hudson.
Even "Man illusion»I checked. By the way, he voiced himMartin Shin, Famous for the filmApocalypse today, Filted by a cool director Francis Kopolla.
But unfortunately, after the release Mass Effect 2 The studio began creative problems. Let’s look at them.
Clause 5: All the same, there is no problem.
I think there is no secret for anyone that in 2009 the studio BioWare The publishing house acquired Electronic Arts. Many people know her ambiguous reputation, she ruined so many famous studios. And what comes to mind when you hear about Electronic Arts? Right, "conveyor" And "Thirst for profit". At the beginning of the case BioWare and Electronic Arts They walked perfectly, but at some moment the money simply turned their heads to the publishers. An ideal example is Dragon Age 2, published in 2011, a year and a half after Dragon Age Origins.
The poster is good, only the game is not a masterpiece.
A year and a half against 6 years of development of the first part. That’s what it means "Thirst for profit". This game is not as large as its predecessor. You play only for a person, and the background for each character was simply thrown away. Communication with satellites was minimized. And the action of the game takes place only in a dull city Kirkwell, but there is a very small territory beyond. And that’s it. Cut with enemies in the same locations, well, what is it? But you know, despite the jambs, I will still defend this project. After all, the very same remains in it "Diamonds", What was famous Dragon Age Origins and Bioware generally. It still has charismatic characters that will treat you in different ways, based on your actions. It has a rather interesting story, but I will not talk about what it is. But I will say only one thing: "This is an atypical salvation of the world, as was the case in the first part ". The game was prettier in graphic, and the gameplay added speakers. Just over time you stop noticing all the jambs. Therefore, I still recommend that you go through this game. However, only wipe the tedious beginning, but believe me, then it will only be interesting. The only thing that reassured the audience at least somehow is a cool mmorpg exitStar Wars: The Old Republic.
And one more cool game of "Star Wars". But this is not the level of Kotor.
But you think the problems BioWare ended? Absolutely not, well, we go to Mass Effect 3.
Here she is. Brothers before the last battle.
It is worth right to say that most of the problems Mass Effect 3 arise solely due to developers’ ambitions. They wanted not only to complete the story, but also to make the largest part of the series in terms of content. The script with the very hundreds of states fully made itself felt. All the strings had to be tied, finally, together. To do it is logical and believable.
With what BioWare I definitely could not agree – it was with the release date, thoughtlessly assigned from above. Mass Effect 3 announced in December 2010, and pledged to release in December 2011. Meanwhile, goosebumps ran around the team. Everyone clearly understood that they were clamped by nuts – so urgently role -playing games Mass Effect Do not do it. In addition, there was an example at the sideDragon Age 2, the development of which was driven by almost whips. The work in the literal sense of the word was in full swing, people remained in the office until late at night, and in the end they could not stand it. At the urgent meeting, the team opened openly Zeschuk and music on hellish working conditions. They could not go against their people, Music He called in EA And the release date was still shifted to March 2012. U BioWare A little time appeared.
The bad news found Casey Hudson, When he had dinner at home with his family. They called him and reported that someone had leaked a raw version Mass Effect 3 in Xbox Live. It was a disaster. She was a curve and a mower, but giving an idea of a graph, sound, level structure and most importantly – the plot of the game. Everything that the authors thoroughly hid in, so as not to spoil the people’s pleasure flew into the network. The file was quickly deleted from the network, but the damage has already been caused. BioWare was poured with mud, believing that everything will fall into the final version of the game in this form, although it was not so. And so, in the end, February 12, the publisher approved the final version Mass Effect 3 and sent her to print. Casey Hudson And his team fled his breath to hear the final verdict of millions to the final part of the main gaming cosmooper.
Mass Effect 3 Furore produced. And in the bad sense of the word, and in good. Critics, and most players spoke positively about the project, noting an interesting plot and new opportunities. Only what really caused a storm of indignation is the final of history. Simply because it is not entirely logical, and the whole choice that we made for three parts flies here to hell. The most loyal fans were simply furious with this outcome of history, the collection of signatures began under the petition to recognize the ending of a non -canonical. As a result, BioWare released a free addition to a compromise option for the final. However, sediment and discontent remained. Despite the thorns, Mass Effect 3 – decent completion of the Great Trilogy. Like the previous parts, it is a huge, deep, interesting and spectacular game. Now a little sad news.September 19, 2012 was announced to withdraw from the studio of the founders of the company – Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muziki. They explain this by the fact that they want to shine the life of something new. And on August 8, 2014 he left the studio Casey Hudson. His reasons are exactly the same as Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muziki. And in 2012, he left the studio Drew Karpishin. However, in September 2015, Drew Karpishin announced his return to BioWare to work on Star Wars: The Old Republic. It is also possible that Drew will be connected to the development of Mass Effect: Andromeda. Turning to the final of history, we will touch the game, which at least somehow saved the reputation BioWare. It will be about Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Well, glory to you, BioWare. Finally, a cool game, at least somehow similar to Dragon Age Origins.
Now we can safely say that the game is as large -scale and interesting as Dragon Age Origins, but a little – almost reached the first part. Now the game has returned to choose a race for myself, even one new one was added (this Kunari). Interesting and living characters related to you in different ways, based on your actions, remained. An interesting story and a cool gameplay – also in place. Even the open world and "Living transport»Beded. But let’s touch the open world. You know, this is good and bad at the same time. Good in the sense that it is just beautiful. Look at the forests Ferlden, walk around the castle in Skyhold And communicating with your friends is a pleasure. And what is the sunny Orley. However, all has its own reverse side of the coin. From the presence of an open world, you will sometimes have to deal with any routine, because some plot tasks require influence points that can only be earned in side quests. "Go there, bring that, kill those". But you know, this is not as terrible as in the same Mafia 3. As I said early, you will have "Only sometimes" do. And only for "Some plot tasks". And then, unlike the same Mafia 3, Many side tasks are really interesting. What can I say,Dragon Age: Inquisition Really saved the reputation BioWare.
Even they are happy for BioWare.
Clause 6: History final.
If you are suddenly given a report on a successful company and its people, then feel free to take into account the story BioWare. Like many other cool companies, she experienced both success and failure. Despite the departure of very important personalities, let’s still pray and hope for BioWare. After all, there is a development ahead Mass Effect: Andromeda. The company has a colossal task – not to disgrace the franchise Mass Effect. And not just disgrace, but literally shoot, rumble. Well, on this I will end my story.
By the way, where would you like to see the action of the new Dragon Age? And what do you like more: Neverwinter Nights or Baldur’s Gate. Be sure to write to me in the comments, we talk.