Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic could be going for a “simple hero’s journey,” says BioWare vet
By (Image credit: Lucasfilm Games)
Mark Darrah, the notoriously candid RPG veteran who navigated the Dragon Age franchise until his retirement a few years ago, anticipates Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic will present a more straightforward, minimalistic narrative in response to what he perceives as overly complicated writing in BioWare‘s latest titles.
While conversing with Eldorado.gg, Darrah reflected on the possible trajectory of Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic under the guidance of former Mass Effect director Casey Hudson. Darrah contemplates whether Hudson might pursue a “KOTOR 3”-inspired spiritual successor or potentially create “something that resembles Mass Effect with the Star Wars IP,” noting that, in the end, he is uncertain about the final appearance of the game. BioWare is evidently not engaged, as development responsibilities are being overseen by Hudson’s Arcanaut Studios. Nonetheless, Hudson’s involvement suggests to Darrah one aspect regarding Fate of the Old Republic.
“One thing I can be certain of is that it’s going to excel in cinematic storytelling, because that’s something Casey is truly passionate about,” Darrah states. “It is something that I am very sure they will devote significant effort towards. Therefore, it will be a narrative-driven game, and it will convey its story proficiently. As for the structure of the game concerning the narrative, that is actually where I hold almost no assurance. I have no clue. But will it narrate a solid story? Yes, I am very confident that it will accomplish that.”
When queried whether Hudson is applying any insights gained during his tenure at BioWare to Fate of the Old Republic, Darrah affirms, “Casey and I have conversed,” adding, “I genuinely believe he will be aiming to simplify some aspects of how storytelling is conducted. One could argue that to a certain extent, perhaps BioWare has become somewhat self-indulgent in its storytelling. And I think Casey may recognize that to some degree. Therefore, there might be an aim to streamline it back to a more classic hero’s journey.
