Star Wars: The Old Republic Lead Writer Criticizes Omission from BioWare’s Farewell

Following the recent news regarding BioWare’s closure, the studio released a goodbye statement reflecting on its history. However, as reported by GamesRadar+, the message failed to mention Star Wars: The Old Republic, an omission that has been described as “heartbreaking” by the game’s lead writer, Caitlin Sullivan Kelly.

The Omission

BioWare’s farewell message highlighted several key projects that defined the studio’s legacy, including Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Dragon Age, and Anthem. The statement also touched upon the end of Mass Effect 5, a project that was never released. Notably, the list excluded Star Wars: The Old Republic, an MMO that has been active for nearly 15 years.

Responding to the statement on X, Kelly wrote: “No mention of the game that’s been going for almost fifteen years, that supported the studio and all of its projects with income and manpower and time (sometimes to our own detriment). Heartbreaking.” As noted by GamesRadar+, Kelly’s reaction highlights the significance of the title, which served as a major narrative anchor for the Knights of the Old Republic timeline and provided consistent support to the studio throughout its lifespan.

Why it matters

For the dedicated player base of Star Wars: The Old Republic, this exclusion is a painful oversight regarding a game that has maintained a consistent presence for nearly a decade and a half. The MMO remains a significant fixture for fans of the Knights of the Old Republic era, and the lack of recognition in the studio’s final public statement has drawn pointed criticism from those who worked on the project.

Looking ahead, the future of BioWare’s intellectual properties remains uncertain following the studio’s closure. While there is speculation from industry figures like Mark Darrah regarding the potential sale of rights for franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, it remains to be seen whether EA will choose to sell these assets or retain them. Players and industry observers are currently watching to see if these beloved series will find new life elsewhere or be shelved indefinitely.