'No other studio in the world did it better' than BioWare at its peak, says former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider
Former BioWare lead writer David Gaider reflects on the studio’s closure, calling it a loss for RPG development and recalling its peak influence.
BioWare veteran David Gaider expressed deep sadness over EA’s decision to close BioWare, a studio he joined in 1999. Gaider, who led writing on early Dragon Age titles, described BioWare at its peak as an institution surpassing all others in RPG development. Despite leaving in 2016, he emphasized the studio’s unmatched legacy and the emotional impact of its closure. Gaider co-founded Summerfall Studios in 2019 after departing BioWare.
Gaider recalled the release of Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn in September 2000 as a defining moment. The team had cut content to meet deadlines, fearing fan backlash, but instead found overwhelming praise. Forum posts and reviews celebrated the narrative and placed BioWare on the map. Gaider described the moment as transformative, confirming his lifelong commitment to game development.
The closure, while anticipated, underscores broader industry shifts under new ownership. Former BioWare leadership and staff had anticipated the studio’s fate, given EA’s restructuring priorities. Gaider acknowledged the pain of seeing a pillar of RPG development dismantled, despite its predictable outcome.
BioWare’s influence extended beyond its own games, shaping future RPGs like Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 and inspiring studios such as CD Projekt Red. Gaider’s work on early Dragon Age titles helped establish RPG writing as a viable career path, leaving a lasting mark on the industry.