BioWare writer/director Mike Laidlaw departs company after 14 years

BioWare is going through major changes, as one of its top talents, Mike Laidlaw, is departing the company after 14 dutiful years as a writer and director.

BioWare fans won’t rest easy tonight with Mass Effect and Jade Empire writer and Dragon Age: Inquisition director Mike Laidlaw departing the company. Just like that folks, the golden age of modern BioWare loses a creative force.

When BioWare fans bring up extraordinary, captivating writing, they always go back to the original Mass Effect. Jade Empire’s fan acclaim and Dragon Age: Inquisition’s high Metacritic (89 on PS4) score? Laidlaw was a driving behemoth of that. It looks like the party is over and they’re taking away the balloons at BioWare tonight.

Here’s the official reason why, BioWare fans … straight from Mike Laidlaw’s Twitter:

"“It’s with a mix of emotions that I’m announcing my time with BioWare has ended. 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.In my time at BioWare I have been lucky to work with some of the most talented and hardworking people in the industry. It’s been an honor to be part of the Dragon Age team, and I have every confidence that the world we’ve created together is in good hands and I’m excited for the road ahead.For the near future, I plan to spend my time reconnecting with all the amazing games and worlds that my peers have created, and I look forward to sharing those experiences with you on Twitch and Twitter.To everyone who’s taken the time to share feedback and experiences, your amazing cosplays and artistic creations: thank you. You’ve made my time “in Thedas” amazing. Your passion inspires and I look forward to our next adventure together.Ma serannas.– Mike [Laidlaw]”"

Co-lead Producer of Mass Effect: Andromeda, Michael Gamble, had this to say on Twitter

At the end of the day, a company and its franchises are only as strong as the people behind them. Though BioWare has some of the greatest talent in the entire video game industry, losing one always hurts. One wonders if Guns N’ Roses’ “14 Years” will be playing throughout the BioWare office.

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Laidlaw was nominated for a 2010 BAFTA Games Award for Best Story in Dragon Age: Origins along with Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk. In 2015, Dragon Age: Inquisition won two NAVGTR Awards, Game of the Year and Game Design, Franchise, and was nominated for Game, Franchise Role Playing.