Key Takeaways
- AAA studio Worlds Untold, led by Mass Effect alumni Mac Walters, pauses operations after split with NetEase.
- Reasons for split with NetEase remain unclear.
- Studio’s suspension not final; team seeking new opportunities while looking for new partnerships.
As a long-time fan of the Mass Effect series, I must admit that the news of Worlds Untold’s pause in operations has left me feeling a tad melancholic. The studio, led by the esteemed Mac Walters, who was instrumental in crafting some of my favorite moments in the Mass Effect universe, had promised to venture into uncharted territory with a narrative-focused action-adventure title.
The game development studio, Worlds Untold led by ex-Mass Effect team member Mac Walters, has temporarily halted operations following a disagreement with their publisher, NetEase. Established in 2023, Worlds Untold aimed to produce an action-adventure game centering on storytelling, departing significantly from the role-playing game (RPG) style characteristic of the Mass Effect series.
Previously, Walter spent nearly two decades working at BioWare in various roles, including lead writer for ‘Mass Effect 2’ and ‘Mass Effect 3’, as well as creative director for ‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’. In 2023, he parted ways with BioWare to launch Worlds Untold, explaining that he had completed his journey with the ‘Mass Effect’ series and was eager to focus on developing unique intellectual properties with a robust narrative backbone.
On LinkedIn, Walter expressed that the temporary shutdown of the studio was “tough,” as creating Worlds Untold was a deeply personal journey for him. He added that this break is not meant to be the end for the studio, but rather they are looking for fresh collaborations to carry on their work. The team at Worlds Untold consists of experienced professionals such as Sotaro Tojima, Elizabeth Lehtonen, Ramil Sunga, and others. Although the studio’s pause is not definitive, it has been confirmed that all employees are seeking new ventures.
Reasons for Split From NetEase Remain Unclear
The reason for the rift between NetEase and Worlds Untold remains undefined by both parties. It’s worth noting that studio closures and workforce reductions have been prevalent in the gaming industry during the past two years, with layoffs even occurring at BioWare in 2023. However, unlike many others, NetEase has shown a proactive approach in establishing new studios, launching BulletFarm, Fantastic Pixel Castle, T-Minus Zero Entertainment, and more since November 2023.
It’s still uncertain whether the breakdown of the partnership with Worlds Untold was due to fallout from NetEase’s recent growth spurt, creative disagreements, or some other factor. Given NetEase’s history of contentious collaborations, fueled by its active approach to acquisitions and investments, various possibilities are under consideration.
Regardless of the reason, it’s undeniable that the gaming community has experienced a setback, as an esteemed group of veterans in game development, headed by a trailblazing narrative storyteller, has temporarily paused their groundbreaking concept. Although it’s probable that the studio’s skill will find new opportunities elsewhere, the destiny of the specific game is uncertain at this point. Fingers crossed, Worlds Untold manages to secure funds again and continue its development.
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2024-11-27 19:43