The successor to Mass Effect, Exodus, has given us some cold sweats lately, but we finally have the end of the story. The former director of the game took the floor and answered all the questions directly.
Awaited by thousands of science fiction fans, Exodusoften considered a kind of spiritual successor to Mass Effectcomes to reassure us after having been quite shaken. The bad news has been repeated recently, particularly with stories of departures, enough to worry the players. One of the main stakeholders therefore decided to clear things up for good.
When the successor to Mass Effect gives us cold sweats
Since its first presentation, Exodus has captivated players with its science fiction atmosphere which is particularly reminiscent of Mass Effect. What could be more normal when you know that former Bioware employees are currently working on the game. With veterans of KOTOR and Mass Effect in its ranks, Archetype Entertainment arouses curiosity and expectations are enormous. Unfortunately, we recently learned of the departure of James Ohlen, former director of the studio, and rumors began to emerge. Officially, it was a resignation, but many began to believe that it was actually a dismissal from Hasbro, the parent company. Instead of letting things escalate, James Ohlen wanted to respond himself to silence the rumors and reassure the players in the process.
The former director of Exodus finally speaks
Yes, the succession of Mass Effect is visibly assured. Exodus is doing very well, he is even in very “good way” according to the former director of the studio. Ohlen explains that his resignation has nothing to do with any bad relationship with Hasbro. It’s actually a carefully considered decision for one’s own health. He explains that his work on the game is finished and that the team in place can put the finishing touches on the whole thing in peace.
After years of juggling between managing the studio and the proper development of Exodus, a very ambitious large-scale project eagerly awaited by Mass Effect fans in particular, fatigue was felt. “I made this decision last summer. Although Hasbro would have preferred me to stay” explains Ohlen before specifying that his “departure was amicable” and that he enjoyed full support. He also claims to still be on very good terms with his former colleagues. “Burn-out is very common in this industry and the time had come to change direction. Exodus is well underway, guided by creative leaders I have worked with and trusted for decades, like Jesse Sky, with whom I founded Archetype. » explains the developer.
Now far from Exodus, James Ohlen is working on other projects. He is currently creating new universes and new stories with his company Arcanum Worlds, and is preparing to publish two books, financed by Hasbro. So everything seems to be going well for everyone. Exodus, the successor to Mass Effect, is still in intensive development. The game is expected for early 2027 according to the latest news, on consoles and PC.
source : James Ohlen
