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A former lead writer for Bioware has expressed concern over the recent reports that Amazon is looking to launch a TV series based on Mass Effect.
Between 1999 to 2016 David Gaider was a key writer on the Dragon Age series. However, after yesterday’s news he tweeted worries regarding key aspects of both series that he fears could make their adaptations trickier. This includes the games’ use of custom protagonists.
“Those protagonists are designed to be a bit of a blank slate,” he said. “One that the player fills out with their decisions. That’s not going to work for a passive medium. So, suddenly, the protagonist will have their own personality… and their own *story*. That will be weird.”
The companions could also cause issues, he said, noting that the sheer number means only certain members of the ensemble cast will likely have time to be featured. “And that’s IF the TV show makers consider the companions to be all that important. They might toss most of them aside in favor of the PLOT. In my mind, that would be a mistake. Both ME’s and DA’s plots were, at best, serviceable. And I don’t mean that in a derogatory way.”
“Those plots had to take into account the player’s agency. They were kind of the shell upon which that player’s emotional engagement was delivered — usually through the companions and the choices themselves. Choice heightened engagement. Interactivity was the star, not the plot.”
Giader still wishes the Mass Effect TV series showrunners well. “I can think of any number of ways it could be done better… but that involves doing more than a strict adaptation, and that comes with its own complications. Anyhow, good luck to the showrunners. They’ll need it!”
For now, we’ll have to wait and see if this potential Mass Effect TV series gets the green light.
I'm relieved to see that the Mass Effect/Amazon deal is for a potential TV series and not a movie. Even so, the possibility (and likewise for Dragon Age) makes me cringe just a little, unlike many fans who appear… excited?
Let me explain. (Thread)
— David Gaider (@davidgaider) November 25, 2021