You can put this promising new sci-fi game created by the former Mass Effect director aside for very bad news.
After leaving BioWare twice, Casey Hudson, game director of the Mass Effect trilogy, founded Humanoid Origin. An independent studio for rent “The creative freedom for developers to express themselves to bring innovation and artistic vision to players with brand new intellectual property.”. The developer, also known for the famous Star Wars KOTOR, worked with his team on a new AAA SF game. But unfortunately the man will not sign his return with this new license.
The Mass Effect director's new game is falling apart
Casey Hudson, the director of the first three Mass Effect games and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, stood on his own two feet a few years ago. “Our current project is a multiplatform AAA game with a strong focus on storytelling in an entirely new science fiction universe.” he said in March 2022 about his new game in development. At the time, Humanoid Origin's goal was to ensure that the company had an appropriately sized team and the healthiest work environment possible.
Two years later, the Mass Effect creator's new game collapsed when the studio's closure was announced. A catastrophe for the approximately 70 employees who are being helped to find jobs. « Today we informed our employees that Humanoid Origin will be closing its doors. Despite efforts to protect the studio from major industry challenges, an unexpected lack of funding prevented us from continuing operations. It breaks our hearts not to see our new science fiction universe come to fruition. However, our main concern at the moment is with our team and we are committed to supporting them in their transition to new employment ».
Unfortunately, we'll probably never see any in-game footage from this project from the Mass Effect director. On the other hand, we already had artwork, which you can see below. Conceptual images that looked very promising on paper, with a sci-fi vibe that was omnipresent in all the photos shared by the studio. Will the game director return to BioWare for Mass Effect 4? It would be surprising, but who knows what the future holds for him.
Mac Walters' studio is also in turmoil
A curse hits veterans of the BioWare saga, projects fail or are perhaps on the verge of collapse. Mac Walters, who was a screenwriter on Mass Effect 2 and 3, is having serious problems with his studio. If the closure has not yet been implemented, the man announces that activities will be suspended until a new source of financing is found.
« It's hard to find the right words, but I wanted to let you know that we have made the decision to cease operations at Worlds Untold while we search for a new partner to help us realize our vision. This decision was not taken lightly. […] In the meantime, our incredible team members will explore new opportunities. […] This is a terrible time for everyone involved, but I am deeply grateful for the support of our partners, friends and family and for our time together at Worlds Untold. Despite this break, it is not a farewell. There's still a lot ahead of us and we can't wait to share the next chapter with you when the time is right ».
Mac Walters, who was also creative director on Mass Effect Andromeda, is confident, but it's an announcement that could jeopardize the studio's future. Let's see what happens in the coming months.
