Anthem is the latest in a string of titles from Bioware that have had a lot of hype, and a lot of promise of being the next big thing, and yet, did not deliver. In fact, while sales were said to be rather good for the most part, the response to the game has been decidedly mixed between both gamers and critics. Mainly, gamers didn’t like that it was “Bioware’s version of Destiny”, and that it had a lot of flair, but little substance.
Kotaku made massive post about Anthem, and detailed behind-the-scenes instances where the game was fundamentally changed, the staff were stressed to the limit while trying to make the game, and the hand that EA/DICE had in regards to making the game be on the Frostbite Engine, and the problems with that choice.
Needless to say, it wasn’t the most positive look at the game or the teams behind it.
Many actually found this report enlightening as to what went on with Anthem. Bioware wasn’t amused though, and sent out a statement about the report stating:
“We chose not to comment or participate in this story because we felt there was an unfair focus on specific team members and leaders, who did their absolute best to bring this totally new idea to fans,” BioWare said. “We didn’t want to be part of something that was attempting to bring them down as individuals. We respect them all, and we built this game as a team.”
They went on:
“The creative process is often difficult. The struggles and challenges of making video games are very real. But the reward of putting something we created into the hands of our players is amazing. People in this industry put so much passion and energy into making something fun. We don’t see the value in tearing down one another, or one another’s work.”
Interestingly enough though, some people aren’t buying this. Including former Bioware employees who looked at their response and noted that this isn’t what actually goes on at the company in regards to listening to their employees and trying to keep them happy and safe.
So what really happened with Anthem? You decide.
