BioWare promises “substantial reinvention” for year-old Anthem

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  All screens from this gallery are taken from real-time gameplay, except where noted. There's a lot to knock about Anthem, but man, can it be a looker. [credit: BioWare ]

Almost a year has gone by since BioWare launched its online space RPG Anthem to a loud critical thud and quickly dwindling player numbers. BioWare isn't giving up on the high-flying space-shooter, though, with General Manager Casey Hudson promising in a blog post today to provide "a longer-term redesign of the experience" that provides "a more substantial reinvention than an update or expansion."

While regular Anthem updates so far have focused on "stability, performance, and general quality of life"—as well as three seasons' worth of new content—Hudson acknowledges the fan feedback that the game still "needs a more satisfying loot experience, better long-term progression, and a more fulfilling end game." In the coming months, then, the company will be focused on more "fundamental work... to bring out the full potential of the experience... specifically working to reinvent the core gameplay loop with clear goals, motivating challenges, and progression with meaningful rewards—while preserving the fun of flying and fighting in a vast science-fantasy setting," Hudson writes.

To help that process along, the development team will be halting new "full season" updates as it focuses on this overhaul (in-game events, store refreshes, and previously released content will continue to be available during this process). Hudson also said BioWare will be "doing something we'd like to have done more of the first time around–giving a focused team the time to test and iterate, focusing on gameplay first."

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