BioWare’s Anthem Struggles: Lessons from Destiny Overlooked

Developers at BioWare faced significant challenges with the launch of their game, Anthem, in 2019. According to veteran producer Mark Darrah, the studio struggled to recognize its identity as a “looter shooter” early in the development process. Instead, the focus remained on the Diablo series, which may have hindered the game’s success compared to its competitors.

In a recent interview, Darrah explained that the team was slow to embrace the conventions of the looter shooter genre, particularly those exemplified by Bungie‘s Destiny. While the media dubbed Anthem a “Destiny killer,” this label did not originate from the developers themselves. Darrah noted that leadership at BioWare was resistant to any comparisons with Destiny, even when team members advocated for learning from the industry leader.

Reflecting on the design philosophy of Anthem, Darrah stated, “From a design perspective, the number one touch point for Anthem was actually Diablo.” He acknowledged that Blizzard’s game had numerous iterations to draw lessons from, while Destiny could have provided more relevant insights. “First of all, more directly comparable,” he said, emphasizing that both games share the shooter and looter mechanics.

The history of Diablo predates the modern looter shooter genre, which poses unique challenges for developers looking to draw inspiration from it. Darrah warned of the risks associated with using an older game as a model, suggesting that its established reputation might permit deviations that newer titles cannot afford. “I think there’s always a danger in using something with that level of pedigree as your exemplar because it gets permission to be different by being so much older,” he remarked.

When comparing the two franchises, it becomes clear that Destiny’s approach to game design included crucial elements such as bespoke raid and dungeon activities. These features helped define the endgame experience for players, setting a standard that remains largely unmatched in the genre. Darrah noted that BioWare may have overlooked these valuable lessons, which could have significantly improved Anthem’s development.

The repercussions of Anthem’s struggles extended beyond the game itself. Darrah reflected on the impact of its failure, stating, “Anthem did permanent damage to the careers of a lot of game devs.” He expressed doubts about whether he or the studio ever fully recovered from the game’s disappointing reception.

As the gaming community continues to analyze Anthem’s shortcomings, the insights from industry veterans like Darrah serve as a reminder of the critical importance of learning from successful titles. With the ever-evolving landscape of game development, studios must remain vigilant in adapting to player expectations and industry trends to achieve lasting success.