Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk leave Bioware

Bioware has confirmed that their founders - Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk - have retired from the company.

The pair, known affectionately to fans as the Bioware 'Doctors' for both holding medical doctorates, have been with the company since its 1995 genesis, overseeing the production of titles and franchises including Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect and Dragon Age.

"The decision to leave the videogame industry is hard to explain, but essentially I feel similar now to how I felt in the early days of BioWare over the decade post-medical school, while I was still practicing as an ER physician, back when I first realized that the world of video games was my next career ‘chapter’," Muzyka wrote in an open letter to fans and supporters.

"Two wonderful decades working at BioWare and later EA was the result of that decision. It’s not often that you can truly say you were able to pursue and achieve your dream job; I know how lucky I am to be able to say that now, in my early 40s."

"I feel the need now to move on to a new chapter in my career," he added. He plans to move on to work in investment and entrepreneurship, mentoring younger businesses and their leaders.

Zeschuk, most recently deeply involved in The Old Republic, cites a lack of drive as his reason for stepping away from Bioware and the world of video games in general.

"This decision isn’t without significant pain and regret, but it’s also something I know I need to do, for myself and my family," he said in a similar blog post.

"I’ve reached an unexpected point in my life where I no longer have the passion that I once did for the company, for the games, and for the challenge of creation."

Aaryn Flynn, General Manager of Bioware Edmonton & Montreal, also posted a blog, keen to calm fans and point out that Bioware has leaders in place - including him - to guide the company forwards. 

He confirmed that Mass Effect Executive Producer Casey Hudson is heading up a "new Mass Effect project" whilst also developing a "vision for an all new game set in a fictional universe, built from the bottom-up with all new gaming technology."

He also says the Dragon Age team is strong after the announcement - they announced Dragon Age III yesterday.

Two RPG greats have departed the industry. Best of luck to them both.