Mass Effect Director's New Studio Pauses Operations As It Seeks New Partner

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of immersing myself in the rich tapestry of BioWare’s universe, I can’t help but feel a tinge of melancholy as yet another studio helmed by a beloved BioWare veteran finds itself in a challenging position. The saga of Mac Walters and his team at Worlds Untold is no exception.


Following the shutdown of Casey Hudson’s AAA studio, another former BioWare team member has revealed that their new project will temporarily halt operations.

Mac Walters, who had been with BioWare for almost two decades, established his own studio, Worlds Untold, in 2023. Yet, this week, he shared some challenging updates, stating that operations at Worlds End have temporarily ceased while they search for a “new collaborator” for their upcoming game.

It appears there might have been some changes with our former partner, NetEase, who was financially backing Worlds Untold. Previously, I expressed my belief that they were the ideal collaborators due to their shared vision and passion for our project. I also mentioned that they provided us with the creative freedom and funding required to bring our ideas to life.

Walters stated that the decision wasn’t taken lightly as it has been a profoundly personal experience. He expressed immense pride in everything the team accomplished collectively. In the interim, he mentioned that the remarkable members of our team will be pursuing fresh ventures. This is a sorrowful time for all concerned, but Walters is grateful for the backing of our partners, friends, and family, as well as the time we’ve spent at Worlds Untold.

Despite the current halt, Walters assured us this isn’t a farewell. He hinted at more developments yet to unfold.

“We look forward to sharing the next chapter with you when the time is right,” he said.

Established in 2023, Worlds Untold embarked on a journey to create immersive “triple-A action-adventure games.” Their primary focus was on crafting compelling narratives and intricate worlds that could offer an endless array of experiences. Their ultimate goal was to establish captivating franchises brimming with limitless possibilities.

Beyond Walters, the team at Worlds untold also includes Sotaro Tojima, a seasoned professional from Halo and Metal Gear Solid, serving as audio director. Elizabeth Lehtonen, known for her work on Dragon Age, leads the production. Lastly, Ramil Sunga, a veteran of BioWare, heads the art department.

Regarding Hudson’s studio, the Humanoid Origin division is ceasing operations altogether because they encountered an unforeseen lack of financial resources.

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2024-11-27 18:08