Casey Hudson leaves BioWare

BioWare has announced the departure of Casey Hudson after sixteen years at the company.

Hudson joined the company in 1998 as a technical artist on Neverwinter Nights and MDK2 before becoming a project lead with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

His defining period at the company will surely be leading the development of the Mass Effect trilogy since its inception in 2004 in a meeting with former BioWare co-founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk all the way up to its climax with Mass Effect 3's release in 2012.

Since then, he was leading work on a brand new IP being worked on by the Mass Effect Shepard trilogy team at BioWare Edmonton, as well as being an executive producer on the next Mass Effect game at BioWare Montreal.

"As we say a fond farewell, I know I speak on behalf of the entire studio when I say that we will be forever grateful for Casey's hard work, passion and everything he has taught us over the years - a methodical dedication to quality, a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie and putting fans about everything else," said BioWare Edmonton GM Aaryn Flynn.

"But most of all, Casey has challenged every one of us in the studio to be better tomorrow than we were today. It is in that spirit that as we finish Dragon Age: Inquisition, we will continue working on the next Mass Effect game and our new IP project, confident in our goals and progress."

For his part, Hudson said the foundation of the next new IP that was coming from the ME team in Edmonton, also headed up by Mass Effect writer Mac Walters, was already completed, noting it'll "redefine interactive entertainment".

"The foundation of our new IP in Edmonton is complete, and the team is ready to move forward into pre-production on a title that I think will redefine interactive entertainment," he said in a letter to BioWare staff partly published on the blog announcing his departure. "Development for the next Mass Effect game is well underway, with stunning assets and playable builds that prove the team is ready to deliver the best Mass Effect experience to date. And the Dragon Age: Inquisition team is putting the final touches on a truly ambitious title with some of the most beautiful visuals I’ve seen in a game."

He added: "But while I feel that the time has come, this is without a doubt the most difficult decision of my career. BioWare is as magical a place today as it was when I started. The projects we are working on are some of the most exciting and prestigious in the world. The talent in our teams is second to none. And the people here are some of my closest friends. I’ve spent more time with many of you than my own family, and I have enjoyed every day of it.”

Hudson also directly thanked BioWare fans who played its games.

"Long before I worked in games, I was fascinated by their ability to transport me to places where amazing and memorable experiences awaited. When I made my very first asset that I knew would actually make it into a game (the laser bolt in MDK2!) I couldn't believe how fortunate I was to contribute in some small way to the process of creating interactive entertainment.

"Now, having led the development of four major titles, I’m profoundly appreciative of the role I’ve been able to play in creating these games. The very idea that so many of you have enjoyed spending time in the worlds we’ve created is the defining achievement of my career, and it’s your support over the years that made it all possible."

He concluded: "I know that I leave our projects in great hands, and I join you in looking forward to playing them."

Footage of the new IP Hudson and the BioWare Edmonton team were working on alongside Dragon Age: Inquisition was teased during EA's press conference at E3 in June. To give you a recap, here it is below, along with comments from Hudson, Aaryn Flynn and Mac Walters.