In a recent revelation, Tony de Waal, a former cinematic supervisor at BioWare, shared insights into the development of the now-canceled Mass Effect 4. Having been part of the BioWare team for over 29 years, de Waal’s journey has seen him contribute to significant titles, including a brief departure after the launch of Mass Effect 2, before returning in 2021 to work on Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Development Insights
During his tenure, de Waal noted that approximately “50-ish” individuals were dedicated to the creation of Mass Effect 4 prior to the studio’s closure. He expressed his belief that the team was on the verge of crafting something extraordinary, emphasizing a vision of player autonomy and choice that could surpass anything seen in previous installments. “I believe we were making something special: a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has been able to match,” he stated on LinkedIn.
De Waal also reflected on the challenges faced during the development of The Veilguard, particularly in utilizing EA and DICE’s Frostbite engine for the second time. He described the effort as “herculean,” pushing the limits of his work ethic while achieving a remarkable level of polish. “You have no idea the craziness going on under the hood of that game to make a variable player character work across 3+ hours of cinematics,” he elaborated, highlighting the intricate conditions that had to be managed for the game’s concluding scenes.
Industry Changes
BioWare’s closure is part of a broader restructuring at Electronic Arts (EA) following its acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and two other investment firms. This transition has resulted in over 400 layoffs as the publisher shifts its focus toward live service shooters and sports games.
De Waal expressed his disappointment over the cancellation, stating, “I’m sad you won’t ever get to see what we were cooking, and sad for the small, talented group of devs who were all punching above their weight to make something special.” He urged the community to consider the dedication of those who remained at BioWare until the end, acknowledging their exceptional talent and commitment.
A New Chapter
As de Waal and many others in the gaming industry face an uncertain future, he is actively seeking new opportunities. “If you need someone who knows cinematic production, blending gameplay with cinematics, the tools, the tech, and has the know-how to realize complicated narratives—a true production expert with nearly three decades of experience who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and create content—please think of me,” he concluded.
For those interested, de Waal’s full post can be found on LinkedIn, where he continues to share his experiences and insights with the gaming community.
