I'm sure it sucks getting forced out of your own company but I'm sure EA paid them a pretty penny.
I feel most for the employees, especially for the Mythic guys who got transferred down (and the Origin guys) who got the EA playlist ran on them twice or three times now.
I'm sure it sucks getting forced out of your own company but I'm sure EA paid them a pretty penny.
It haven't crossed my mind until you said it Justin, but a couple of such amazing guys burning out simultaneously and leaving their companies so publicly and completely does seem quite a bit suspicious. I wonder how true it is.
(shrug) The game industry might be worse off for not having them anymore. But at the same time, they had a really good run. They made some critically acclaimed titles that sold really well. That's a fairly stellar track record for this industry. They're going out on top, and will have ample opportunity to pursue other interests. There are far worse fates.
I hope they do well in their new enterprises. It sounds like they have some pretty entertaining pursuits lined up.
I don't know if this is the case, but when some companies are bought out the senior management has it written in their contracts that they can't go anywhere for five years. It was announced that Bioware was bought by EA back in Oct 2007. I'm sure that now they are free to go that is exactly what they are doing. Thought this is all speculation, and I seriously hope they weren't let go.
Greg's comment " Ive reached an unexpected point in my life where I no longer have the passion that I once did for the company, for the games, and for the challenge of creation."
The wording is interesting. "Unexpected . . ." "No longer have the passion . . ." Prefacing his reasons with "unexpected" does hint of "friction" with EA.
i wonder if they really plan on leaving games, or if they just have non-compete clauses and have to find something to do for a year or so?
From the way the blogs are written it sounds like neither of them have much inclination to return to games. Muzyka is teaching people to become entrepreneurs and Zeschuk is making beer.
The wording is interesting. "Unexpected . . ." "No longer have the passion . . ." Prefacing his reasons with "unexpected" does hint of "friction" with EA.
Also 'the company' and 'the games' - not just 'games', which implies a certain set of games. I doubt they'll completely stop working with games, they'll at least go and give lectures or something.
Replies
Greg handed me my very first paycheck before direct deposit became standard.
Good luck to future endeavors Ray & Greg!
I feel most for the employees, especially for the Mythic guys who got transferred down (and the Origin guys) who got the EA playlist ran on them twice or three times now.
It haven't crossed my mind until you said it Justin, but a couple of such amazing guys burning out simultaneously and leaving their companies so publicly and completely does seem quite a bit suspicious. I wonder how true it is.
And in any case it's some really sad news.
I hope they do well in their new enterprises. It sounds like they have some pretty entertaining pursuits lined up.
Either way, wish them the best of luck!
Check the stock price then and now...ouch.
They were instrumental in the gay elf/dwarf sex scenes! Bioware are DOOOOMED!! :O
The wording is interesting. "Unexpected . . ." "No longer have the passion . . ." Prefacing his reasons with "unexpected" does hint of "friction" with EA.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCNVy2E7VQk"]MDK 2 Intro - YouTube[/ame]
well, I wonder if this might be deja vu...
Also 'the company' and 'the games' - not just 'games', which implies a certain set of games. I doubt they'll completely stop working with games, they'll at least go and give lectures or something.
mmmh. this does sound better than making games...