Andromeda Lead Writer Leaves Bioware

Chris Schlerf announced on Twitter Monday that he is no longer working at Bioware Montreal, and instead taking his writing talents to Bungie Studios in Seattle.   This move by the former lead writer for several AAA titles, including Halo 4 and most recently the long-awaited Mass Effect: Andromeda, could have huge implications for multiple major games.
Schlerf was announced as the new lead writer for Mass Effect: Andromeda on November 7, 2014, known by members of the Mass Effect community as “N7 Day.”   Fans of the acclaimed and beloved (albeit controversial) trilogy were excited to hear any news about the successor to the popular series, on which Bioware has been incredibly tight-lipped.   While his departure from Bioware has the potential to be a major hurdle in the development of the highly anticipated game, it also could be a rather benign move in the grand scheme of the game’s timeline.
In December, Chris Wynn, the Senior Development Director for Andromeda suddenly announced his departure in a similar manner. Individuals in two leading roles leaving the project this close to the game’s launch, which is slated for the holiday season of this year, could be cause for alarm among fans. While it is subject to speculation, however, it could also mean that the main part of these individual’s roles in Andromeda’s development (which has been in production since at least 2012) could have been nearing the end, allowing them an easy transition to their new respective projects. Schlerf’s Twitter post said of his time at Bioware, “Sincerely one of the best experiences of my career. I’m incredibly grateful to have worked with such talented and truly wonderful human beings. [I] think MEA is really going to blow people away; I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it, and am excited like a little kid to play the final product when it comes out.”
While fans of the Mass Effect series may have cause for worry, Schlerf’s departure from Bioware should have certain positive repercussions for another game. Bungie’s highly popular, highly criticized hit game Destiny has been wanting for story elements since the day that it launched. Especially in the face of the current content drought, this should be much-welcomed news for Destiny fans, as Bungie finally broke their silence on future content for their game late last week, for which Schlerf will undoubtedly bring fresh perspective and talent.