Not long after Mass Effect veteran Casey Hudson’s new AAA studio closed its doors, another BioWare veteran’s new venture has announced it is pausing operations.
Mac Walters, who worked at BioWare for nearly 20 years, split off in 2023 to make his own studio, Worlds Untold. However, Walters delivered some difficult news this week when he confirmed a decision to “pause operations at Worlds End” as the studio seeks out a “new partner” for its next game.
The phrasing here suggests something might have happened with NetEase, the partner that Worlds Untold was previously working with. In fact, NetEase was announced as the financial backer of Worlds Untold. Walters had previously said NetEase was the right partner because the team shared its vision and passion, and that it had the creative freedom and funding levels necessary to deliver.
“This was not a decision we made lightly–it’s been a deeply personal journey, and we’re all so proud of everything this team has built together.In the meantime, our incredible team members will be exploring new opportunities,” Walters said. “This is a heartbreaking moment for everyone involved, but I’m deeply grateful for the support of our partners, friends and family, and for the time we’ve had together at Worlds Untold.”
Although the project is paused, Walters said, “This isn’t goodbye,” going on to promise that there is “more to come.”
“We look forward to sharing the next chapter with you when the time is right,” he said.
Worlds Untold was founded in 2023 and was working on “AAA action adventure games” that focus on “narrative and worldbuilding.” The team had the lofty ambition of making franchises “with endless possibilities.”
In addition to Walters, Worlds untold was staffed by Halo and Metal Gear Solid veteran Sotaro Tojima as its audio director; Dragon Age veteran Elizabeth Lehtonen as its head of production; and BioWare veteran Ramil Sunga as its head of art.
As for Hudson’s studio, Humanoid Origin is closing up shop entirely due in part to an “unexpected shortfall of funding.”