Star Wars writer mourns BioWare’s MMO farewell
The curtain is falling on a legendary era of video game development, and as the studio BioWare prepares for its closure, a poignant omission has sparked a wave of reflection among fans and former employees.
While the farewell statements from BioWare named celebrated titles like Baldur’s Gate, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age, one massive, long-running property was conspicuously left out of the spotlight: Star Wars: The Old Republic.
For nearly a decade, SWTOR stood as a monumental achievement, developed by BioWare and released in 2011. It wasn’t just another title; it was a massive, living ecosystem that provided crucial revenue, sustained a dedicated player base, and gave the studio manpower and time during its formative years.
Over those twelve years, the development of SWTOR saw exceptional contributions from the BioWare team, with many members handling significant writing and voice work that enriched the game’s world. This sustained, high-quality output is a defining chapter in the history of the studio.
The silence surrounding the game’s absence became a point of contention for those who were part of the project. Caitlin Sullivan Kelly, the lead writer for SWTOR, described the situation as heartbreaking. She highlighted the feeling that a game which supported the studio’s projects financially and creatively was left out of the historical narrative.
It begs the question of why a project that generated consistent income and maintained a steady player base—even if it wasn’t as massive as titans like World of Warcraft—was omitted from the official closing remarks. Was it legal maneuvering, or simply a lapse in recognition for a giant of the gaming world?
The decision to leave the history books silent has generated considerable discussion, prompting former developers to reflect on the legacy of the work they poured their hearts into. It is a reminder that behind every major franchise lies a complex tapestry of creative choices and institutional memory.
Ultimately, the story of SWTOR is not just about a game; it is about the enduring impact of a team and the vital importance of recognizing every facet of a creative journey.
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