Why familiar is better than different, in this case

First, Bioware, as a develoment studio, has changed. I don't just mean that it is no longer the quirky, intelligent developer who made RPGs - I'll leave that opinion on the shelf until after the game releases and it can be properly reviewed, but I mean this literally. The primary staff of Bioware from the various eras of games you remember (Baldur's Gate, Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, etc) - most critically, the people with vision behind these projects are all gone. Some of them aren't even in games development anymore, though many have just moved onto other studios and projects. So, if you're looking for a classic "Bioware" game, I recommend you don't follow the brand bioware, as the talent behind that promise is no longer at the same place. A bioware game doesn't necessarily mean a relationship-rich RPG adventure with a light heart and winding narrative any more. This isn't to say that we shouldn't give the new Bioware a chance. As mercenary as it is, the new Bioware is a very well-funded company, and their Edmonton office in particular has a fantastic track record, meaning that they can acquire literally the best talent in the industry. All told, I think that this means we can expect a top-quality AAA game from them.


Second, I think that it's clear that this trailer was less of a reveal of Bioware's state than it was a reveal of EA's state. This is clearly targeting the same market as The Division (Ubisoft) and Destiny (Activision). Those are both fun games in their own right, and worthy of emulation. The market for these types of games hasn't reached saturation, and it's clear that they're providing something that gamers want, so more competition is better for us as gamers all around. Maybe you didn't like WoW at launch, but many great additions were made to WoW when SW:TOR, FFXIV, and many other games were released. Remember that these are all intended to be "ten-year lifespan" games, so they have an investment to maintain here. Keeping them fresh and interesting is in everyone's best interests.


Third, I think the video itself isn't intended to convey the heart and soul of the game. It's intended to show off the flashy elements that will draw the largest audience. EA/Bioware cast a wide net with this trailer, and I can guarantee that the simularities to Destiny's E3 reveal trailer and The Division's first E3 trailer was absolutely intentional. I believe it was a message to gamers: You want this game. It will be like those experiences, but new, shinier, and doing different things. Familiar enough to be comfortable, but different enough to be interesting. Well, that was the intended message I believe. One thing that "traditional Bioware" games tend to display in their trailers is how different they are. This trailer obviously sought to show us how familiar this world should be.


Overall, I'm personally excited. I'm excited for another AAA game that looks fun to play and follows a genre I'm interested in. I'm hoping that Bioware will work hard to retain its identity as a smart, fun developer who keeps its audience through strong writing and well-developed characters. I hope that overall, we get a fun game well worth our $60.