Over the past couple of years, Mass Effect and Dragon Age developer BioWare has lost several employees in key roles. Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider departed the company early last year, while Mass Effect: Andromeda's lead writer left BioWare for Bungie.
This week, another major player at the developer has announced that he will be moving on from the company too. BioWare's senior creative director Mike Laidlaw confirmed that he will be leaving the company after 14 years. In a statement posted to Twitter, Laidlaw explains that "after 14 years and a chance to work on Jade Empire, Mass Effect and all things Dragon Age it's time for me to move on."
Laidlaw also says that he has been "lucky to work with some of the most talented and hardworking people in the industry" and that it has "been an honor to be a part of the Dragon Age team". The former Dragon Age developer goes on to thank players for sharing their feedback, experiences, cosplay, and artistic creations, adding that "your passion inspires me and I look forward to our next adventure together".
Laidlaw doesn't elaborate on exactly why he has decided to leave BioWare after all this time, but it isn't thought to be a result of Mass Effect Andromeda's problems and poor performance. Although Laidlaw has been involved in the development of the Mass Effect series, he primarily served as the lead designer of Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, and as creative director of Dragon Age: Inquisition. In any case, Laidlaw isn't likely to spill the beans on BioWare's internal dramas anytime soon as he plans to "reconnect" with the "amazing" games created by his industry peers.
As Laidlaw was such an integral part of the Dragon Age team in particular, some fans may have concerns about the quality of the next Dragon Age game. That title, which would be the fourth game in the franchise, has yet to be officially announced by BioWare and publisher EA. However, Laidlaw states, "I have every confidence that the world we've created together is in good hands and I'm excited for the road ahead".
It could be some time yet until the next Dragon Age is revealed and for Laidlaw's assurances to be proved correct. But fans will be hoping that the wait for Dragon Age - and Laidlaw's next project, whatever it may be - is well worth the wait.
The latest release in the Dragon Age franchise, Dragon Age: Inquisition, is available for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
Source: Mike Laidlaw – Twitter