BioWare's new manager aims to rebuild studio's reputation

BioWare general manager Gary McKay has promised to rebuild the studio's reputation after a string of under-performing games have dented the developer's image.

In a BioWare blog post, McKay was confirmed to be the new general manager – or GM – of the veteran studio. He joined BioWare in January 2020 and was appointed interim GM following the departure of former general manager, Casey Hudson, last December.

It seems that position has stuck, and – as per the blog – he'll be heading up the studio as it moves into the new console generation. “I started my career in the industry with EA back in 1998, and it was so exciting to see the studio and company grow in the early days," McKay says in the post.

"I spent the next seven years with EA before moving on. But now you could say I’ve come full circle.”

McKay notes that he'll measure his success as GM on the quality of BioWare's games: “For me, success is all about rebuilding that reputation, and delivering on that promise of quality,” he explains.

Here's hoping this new direction will be positive for BioWare. The company has seen something of an exodus of senior staff over the past few years: in August 2019, the lead producer on the studio’s sci-fi shooter Anthem, Ben Irving, said he was leaving.

The following October,  the developer’s head of live services Chad Robertson also announced his departure.

McKay at least comes in off the back of some success for the studio; Mass Effect Legendary Edition was well-received by veterans and newcomers alike, and BioWare is also working on a new entry in the Dragon Age franchise.

Everything is in place for the studio to aim for another shot at being one of the most reputable developers in the RPG space – let's just hope it pans out.