BioWare’s Aaryn Flynn Says Anthem is “Science Fantasy” – More Like Star Wars
One of BioWare’s biggest announcements from this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo was the shared-world action RPG Anthem. When the first trailer dropped, many gamers immediately started drawing comparisons between the developer’s first new IP in eight years to their bread and butter, Mass Effect. While there are similarities between the two, vice BioBoss Aaryn Flynn would like everyone to know that it’s more along the lines of Star Wars or the Marvel Universe than it is to the Mass Effect games.
The general manager of BioWare Edmonton recently spoke with the CBC, saying that Anthem is “science fantasy”, but gamers should not anticipate the amount of detail that goes into making a game like Mass Effect. It’ll be geared more towards those looking for the fun of sci-fi titles, but without diving into the hard science that propels the IP. Here is what Flynn had to say:
[It’s] very much like Star Wars, very much like the Marvel Universe, where you see a lot of amazing things happening, but we don’t worry too much about why they’re happening, or how they’re happening, the science of it,” Flynn said. “Mass Effect is more our real hardcore science fiction IP. This one is much more about just having fun in a game world that is lush and exotic and really sucks you in.”
Flynn also touched on what pushed him to want a game like Anthem – playing with his sons. He wanted a title that he could play with both of them, and others at BioWare Edmonton were also wanting something to enjoy with their children. The team even drew inspiration from everyday life and the experiences that people encounter.
We’ve had folks who have moved into Canada, who are immigrants, and so often those stories find their way in. We have those folks who are from smaller communities, and those stories make their way in. We have LGBTQ members, and those stories make their way into the game,” he said. “And so it all comes from your personal experience, the writers, the designers, the artists, they all want to put into the game things that they’ve admired or experienced in their lives.”
Earlier this month, Mass Effect 1 & 2 lead writer Drew Karpyshyn disclosed that he was in fact working on the new BioWare IP. While it won’t be taking a nosedive into science fiction like Mass Effect has, Anthem is sure to have a great story with Drew aboard. Just don’t expect to know why everything is happening the way it is. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride when Anthem launches in the fall of 2018.
What say you, gamers? Are you glad they are taking a more laid-back approach with Anthem when it comes to the sci-fi aspect of it? After the comments from Aaryn Flynn, are you more excited for the game? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7! If it’s more reading that you’re needing, check out the following:
Eric Garrett2269 Posts
Eric is an editor and writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. When he is not staring at a computer screen filled with text, he is usually staring at a computer screen filled with controllable animations. Today's youth call this gaming. He also likes to shoot things. With a camera, of course.
