In terms of new releases from publisher Electronic Arts, the firm appears to be residing heavily on its billboard IPs over developing new franchises it appears. Following the downfall of BioWare’s Anthem back in 2019, the company has illustrated to be backpedaling to series that already proven to work. Entries such as Mass Effect & Dragon Age are currently one of the most anticipated titles in the development pipeline.
That is not to say new properties do not come out successful. For one, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a prime example of a succeeding release. The game at launch in late 2019 instantly broke records for Electronic Arts to being the top-selling game – especially on PC with the publisher returning to Steam. The same is also drawn out for Apex Legends as it now accumulated more than $1 billion in revenue. Perhaps it’s only a trend following work from Respawn Entertainment?
Regardless, Electronic Arts is certainly aware of the situation as it now opens a new division in the Seattle area with former Shadow of Mordor development lead Kevin Stephens to helm the new team, a report from gamesindustry.biz reveals.
Kevin joining forces with Samantha and the incredibly talented teams at Electronic Arts adds even more depth to our creative collective. Kevin is an exceptionally talented game developer leader and we look forward to supporting him while he builds his team. As someone known for his open world action-adventure games, we know players will be eagerly awaiting more details on this new studio and its projects.
Laura Miele, Electronic Arts Chief Studios Officer
As for the project that this new team will be handling, it is disclosed that the target is for an open-world adventure. Although Electronic Arts has pursued the genre in the past, nothing has yet to stick with its last efforts being Electronic Arts Vancouver’s cancelled Star Wars game codenamed ‘Ragtag’. Samantha Ryan, Electronic Arts Senior Vice President and Group General Manager had this to say on the new team forming for the project:
“Kevin and his team will figure that out as they go along.” Ryan goes on to elaborate on the projections for the scale for the publisher’s plans that will later become Stephen’s final game. “I know Kevin well. I know the kind of quality team he will build and the kinds of amazing games he will deliver. I don’t need him to rush to prove anything to me! I want things done right and know that Kevin will build an amazing group.”
Ultimately, it is still undetermined if the project will follow a new creative path or be based on a pre-existing IP, the outlet reports. But, it is said more details will emerge in the latter half of 2021. As for Electronic Arts’ ambition for better overall outcome of its projects, the firm is leaving development in the trust of its teams without strong arming the studio to make a release date by a certain time. You can read the full report by heading here.
What are you hoping this new project might be?
Source: gamesindustry.biz
