BioWare Abandons Current Anthem Post-Launch Plans
Walking before running.
By Alysia Judge
Posted: 19 Sep 2019 3:28 pm
Plans for more post-launch content in Anthem have been put on ice so the development team can focus on updates and thoroughly review core issues surrounding gameplay.
Bioware's head of live service, Chad Robertson, announced the decision in a blog post that detailed some of the changes the development team had made to Anthem following player feedback. These include combat balancing, more reward crate types, and tips in load screens to better explain Cataclysm mechanics.
See what we thought of Anthem when it launched back in February in our review video above.
But he acknowledged that those tweaks weren't enough, saying, "We hear your concerns on core issues in Anthem and are acting on it. Those systems require a more thorough review and re-working versus quick fixes. We've got a team working on that now, and early results are promising.
"In order to address these long-range plans, we are moving away from the Acts structure for updates," Robertson continued. "Instead, we have additional seasonal updates planned for this year that we think players will enjoy. These events will deliver challenges and chases similar to what you've seen, and are built around some fun themes we're bringing to the game."
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Bioware first unveiled it's post-launch content plans back in February, and promised three separate Acts that would expand the world and what players could do within it. Anthem is set on an unstable, unnamed planet where natural disasters and hostile creatures must be safely navigated, and each Act was meant to go deeper into the story and "ongoing narrative" of the game's universe.
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The first Act was delayed beyond its initial March launch date as Bioware struggled to overcome technical teething issues following the game's full release. The first Cataclysm event is only just coming to a close over six months later, having been pushed out the door amid the departure of Anthem's lead producer Ben Irving for a new opportunity. In April, a report by Kotaku cited numerous sources from within the studio that recounted an unhealthy culture and technical issues with EA's Frostbite engine.
Robertson promised to be transparent with fans in the future about what's coming down the pipeline, but said "I don't have any news today to share about the long-term changes we are bringing to Anthem."
Alysia Judge is a writer and presenter. Chat to her on Twitter @alysiajudge.
Anthem is a shared-world action-RPG, where players can delve into a vast world teeming with amazing technology and forgotten treasures. Up to four friends can unravel the world's mysteries and take on its most fearsome challenges together.
Genres:RPG, Shooter
In-Game Purchases, Users Interact, Alcohol Reference, Language, Mild Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence
Platforms:PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Developers:BioWare
Release Date:February 15, 2019