Former executive producer Mark Darrah reveals that Anthem, the multiplayer shooter by BioWare, had the technology for local server hosting prior to its shutdown by EA. He suggests salvaging this code to potentially revive the game as a single-player experience. By shifting Anthem to current-gen consoles and focusing on single-player storytelling, the game could transform into a more traditional BioWare title featuring AI companions instead of multiplayer. While this plan would require around $10 million for updates, Darrah believes it could attract players who missed out on Anthem due to its looter-shooter mechanics. However, he doubts EA will pursue this direction.
Can Anthem be salvaged as a single-player game?Yes, former executive producer Mark Darrah believes that Anthem can potentially be salvaged by using existing technology to enable local server hosting and reimagining the game as a single-player experience. This would involve updating graphics, gameplay mechanics, and introducing AI companions to create a narrative-driven experience reminiscent of classic BioWare titles.
Anthem was released in 2019 to considerable fanfare but ultimately suffered from a lack of cohesive vision and direction, leading to its struggles in the live-service model. Its shutdown serves as a cautionary tale within the gaming industry, highlighting the challenges faced by developers when transitioning traditional gameplay into multiplayer environments. As BioWare continues to evolve, fans remain hopeful for a revival of the franchise that reflects its roots in storytelling and character development.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Comments
Man, the idea of Anthem getting a second shot as a story-driven game really hits that classic BioWare sweet spot. It's a bummer that the business side of things often overshadows these creative salvage jobs.
Honestly, turning Anthem into a single-player BioWare adventure sounds like the coolest what if scenario for a game that never found its footing. It's a shame the suits at EA probably won't greenlight it, because that world deserved a better story.