The news comes out of an interview from Gamesindustry.biz shortly before the beginning of Gamescom 2016, where the media outlet took a moment to speak with the Executive Vice President of EA Studios Patrick Soderlund. BioWare - one of many companies under EA’s umbrella - and its games were among the subjects discussed. Talk of a new IP was inevitable, but Soderlund was happy to oblige.
From what Soderland says, it appears the title is almost presentable. He went on to touch on how IPs are developed today and how EA handles its properties compared to a few years ago, saying the industry has become better at knowing what works and what doesn’t. He was also firm in stating that, while players definitely have an influence on how a game is made, they shouldn’t have complete control.
This attitude could be the result of the debacle concerning Mass Effect 3’s infamous ending where gamers were very vocal on both sides of the debate on whether or not the ending should be changed because of its poor reception, but due to pressure from fans a new ending was eventually released. But this seems to be something EA regrets, or at least something they intend to cut off at the pass, which is encouraging if it means they will think more critically about how to complete their games.
At this point it’s all speculation, but the upcoming mystery title could be the new IP teased a few months back. It hasn’t been shown or even mentioned since and it’s had more than a few opportunities between then and now. It could also be the same IP GameSpot reported on, in which one BioWare employee called it “stunning.”
This should not come as a surprise to those who know the company’s history. BioWare has released a slew of critically acclaimed titles, many of which are original IPs. Some of the most popular include: Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Jade Empire – which is getting a rerelease on iOS soon.
Fans could talk all day about what the IP is or isn’t, but the fact remains that EA isn’t talking until the title is ready. However, in almost every instance when the new IP has been brought up, the company has hinted at a short wait until its big reveal.
Source: Gameindustry.biz
