Dragon Age Lead Departs Bioware After 14 Years
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Mike Laidlaw, a longtime Bioware employee best known as the creative director for the Dragon Age franchise, has left the company. Laidlaw had been with Bioware for the past 14 years.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Laidlaw said, “It’s with a mix of emotions that I’m announcing my time with Bioware has ended. After 14 years and a chance to work on Jade Empire, Mass Effect, and all things Dragon Age, it’s time for me to move on.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Laidlaw joined Bioware in 2003. In addition to his work on Dragon Age, he is credited as lead story developer and designer for the cult hit Jade Empire and as a lead designer on the first Mass Effect.
Laidlaw’s departure is not entirely surprising, given the ongoing exodus of veteran talent at Bioware. Studio general manager Aaryn Flynn left Bioware earlier this July, mere months after the release of Mass Effect: Andromeda. More relevant to Dragon Age was the departure in 2016 of David Gaider, lead writer of Dragon Age.
It’s too soon to expect a thorough statement on why Laidlaw left Bioware or what his next plans are professionally. That being said, Laidlaw said that he has “every confidence” regarding the future of Dragon Age, saying, “the world we’ve created together is in good hands and I’m excited for the road ahead.”
Laidlaw’s statement alludes to the frequently teased Dragon Age sequel, which he confirmed to exist earlier this year. Alexis Kennedy, the creator of Sunless Sea, revealed to Eurogamer that he has been writing for the project.
