Why this matters to Alberta game development
BioWare’s development of Star Wars: The Old Republic demonstrated how far the Edmonton-founded studio had progressed from its beginnings in a basement after founders Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk graduated from the University of Alberta. By 2010, BioWare was developing an ambitious online game based on one of the world’s largest entertainment properties and preparing to compete directly in a market dominated by World of Warcraft.
The project built on more than a decade of role-playing game expertise established through Edmonton-developed titles including Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. BioWare’s progression from Shattered Steel in 1996 to internationally recognized RPGs and a major Star Wars MMORPG illustrates Edmonton’s emergence as a centre capable of producing large-scale games for global audiences. The studio’s success also established an important foundation of experience and expertise for Alberta’s developing game industry.