For nearly two decades, Mac Walters penned tales of galactic heroes and alien threats as a writer for BioWare, most notably contributing to the beloved Mass Effect series. However, he recently left the studio without reasoning as to why. In a recent interview with MinnMax, Walters revealed why he left BioWare.
The answer, as it often is, is multifaceted. In the interview, Walters cherished his BioWare tenure, and this was really a wanting to leave to new fields. Having poured his heart and soul into Jade Empire, Anthem, and the sprawling Mass Effect trilogy, he wanted to explore fresh creative horizons.
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition, a project Walters spearheaded, was a poignant reminder of the joys and challenges of smaller, scrappier teams. He watched the team’s collaborative energy and resourcefulness, and it rekindled his desire for a more entrepreneurial approach to game development.
Beyond creative yearning, Walters expressed a growing disconnect within the confines of large teams. As projects scaled up, so did the distance between him and individual team members. He missed the camaraderie of early BioWare, where everyone wore multiple hats and felt deeply invested in the project’s soul. Walters craved a smaller, more intimate studio environment where fostering team culture and genuine enjoyment were woven into the fabric of game development.
While Walters admits his enduring love for Mass Effect, he didn’t want to be pigeonholed as the galaxy’s go-to bard. The prospect of crafting a whole new IP with its own unique lore and characters held an irresistible excitement. Essentially, he wanted to work on something new.
It’s good to know that Walters did not leave due to the direction of the studio or internal strife. We hear horror stories of why people leave in this industry, and it can be brutal. Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made by Jason Schrier is a great example of where things can go wrong and people leave. We’re glad this isn’t one of them and are eager to see where Walters heads next.
