14 DAY TRIAL // After sharing some actual details about Mass Effect 4 yesterday, BioWare has confirmed that the new title will be developed primarily by its Montreal studio, instead of the Edmonton one, which worked on the previous games in the series.
BioWare’s Edmonton studio developed the Mass Effect franchise ever since its inception and, after forming its Montreal division back in 2009, the new team aided the veteran one with work on cinematic cut scenes in Mass Effect 2 or on the multiplayer of Mass Effect 3.
Now, BioWare Montreal Studio Director, Yanick Roy, has confirmed that his team will be the primary developer of Mass Effect 4.
“That evolution now takes its next step, with the news that the next Mass Effect game is already in development, driven by the team here in Montreal. This is the goal we have been working toward for years now, and every member of our team is proud, excited, and humbled to take on the responsibility for the next game,” he wrote on the BioWare blog.
Fans shouldn’t worry, however, as the franchise’s producer, Casey Hudson, will now direct the whole project in Montreal, and various Edmonton staffers will still help out on the upcoming game.
“To ensure a proper and effective transition, we’ll continue to be supported by the Edmonton studio through the game’s development, working with and learning from them on some critical initiatives,” Roy said.
“On top of that, Casey remains the Executive Producer, but he will have a Project Director under him, working in Montreal, leading our development team and making day-to-day decisions for the game. We all care very much about Mass Effect and make our decisions based on what’s best for the game.”
Mass Effect 4 runs on the new Frostbite 2 engine and Roy already mentioned that he and his team would take the game into new directions, while respecting the heritage of the franchise.