In a recent update, James Ohlen, the former studio head of Archetype Entertainment, addressed concerns surrounding his departure from the company and the status of the highly anticipated sci-fi adventure Exodus. Ohlen’s exit, announced in December following the release of the game’s latest trailer, has prompted speculation about the reasons behind his decision. However, he reassured fans that the project is “in a good place,” emphasizing that his choice to step down was made last summer and was amicable, with full support from Hasbro.
Insights into Ohlen’s Departure
Ohlen explained that after more than six years of building Archetype and leading a triple-A project, he recognized the need to step back to prevent burnout, a common issue in the gaming industry. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to carry the project forward, highlighting the leadership of trusted colleagues like Jesse Sky, with whom he co-founded Archetype. “Exodus is in a good place, guided by creative leaders I have worked with and trusted for decades,” Ohlen stated.
While Ohlen will remain with Wizards of the Coast as a creative consultant, his focus will shift towards tabletop RPGs. He mentioned that he is currently immersed in story and world-building through his own venture, Arcanum Worlds, alongside working on a couple of upcoming books funded by Hasbro.
As for Exodus, the game promises to be a standout in the RPG genre, particularly due to its innovative concept of time dilation. Players will experience long journeys at near-light speed, where years can pass on planets while only days or weeks elapse for the characters. This mechanic, reminiscent of the impactful choices found in titles like Mass Effect, is expected to yield dramatic narrative outcomes, similar to those seen in Obsidian’s Pentiment. The involvement of narrative lead Drew Karpyshyn, known for his work on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and the initial Mass Effect games, adds further anticipation for the game’s storytelling depth.
With a planned release date set for early 2027, Archetype Entertainment is poised to deliver a compelling experience that fans are eager to explore. For those interested in staying updated on the game’s progress, it is available for wishlisting.
