Mass Effect: Andromeda Loses Senior Development Director

Chris Wynn, the senior development director for Mass Effect: Andromeda, has left BioWare.

To say that the original Mass Effect trilogy left fans unsatisfied would probably one of the biggest understatements you could make. While few would dispute that the series overall was engaging and well-written, the third game’s ending led to one of the most infamous fecal storms in the history of gaming. It’s not hard to understand, in turn, why many have been watching the progression of Mass Effect: Andromeda with bated breath. If this new game gets it right, it could be the beginnings of a second chance for the franchise. If it gets it wrong though, it could turn many gamers off from the series forever.

That being the case, Mass Effect fans might understandably be worried to learn that Chris Wynn, the senior development director for Andromeda has departed from both the game and from BioWare. Speaking in a Tweet, Wynn confirmed his exit from the company last week. “It is with a heavy heart today to say that I am moving on from BioWare and Mass Effect: Andromeda,” he said. Wynn offered no other details save for his plans to return “to the USA.” Likely sensing the departure of a senior member of its development team could reflect poorly on the game, BioWare released a statement yesterday commenting on the issue. “Chris was a great member of the team,” it said. “We want to thank him for his contributions and we wish him the best in his new adventures. Development of Mass Effect: Andromeda continues to move full speed ahead at BioWare Montreal, Edmonton and Austin.”

While it’s unfortunate for a team to lose one of its directors, BioWare is smart to point out that is has three studios full of skilled and experienced people who are more than capable of making Andromeda into a good game. Just speaking personally, I don’t really have many doubts that Andromeda will be, in the least, a decent. What I’ll be curious to see is just what story strings BioWare pulls to get past the baggage of Mass Effect 3. Mass Effect: Andromeda is currently slated to release on PS4, Xbox One and PC sometime in 2016.

Source: Game Informer