Bioware And EA Reportedly Working On Massive Overhaul Of Online Shooter 'Anthem'

Despite early struggles, Electronic Arts and Bioware reportedly are not giving up on “Anthem” and working to revamp the game.

Kotaku reported EA and Bioware have been working for the last few months on an overhaul of the online shooter, which sources told the website has been referred to as “Anthem 2.0” or “Anthem Next.” The overhaul is reportedly in the early stages with no clear timetable or distribution plan. Bioware is reported considering three options: overhauling the game through updates, an expansion to the original game, or release as a new game.

The reported overhaul will include changes to the loot, difficulty, quests and progression, the social system, and world map. It would also add to a full development schedule that includes new “Dragon Age” and “Mass Effect” games.

“We spent a few months just tearing it down and figuring out what needed to change fundamentally [a lot],” one source at Bioware told Kotaku. “And we’ve been rebuilding for another few months since.”

The report reaffirms both companies’ dedication to the online game despite a release and post-release plagued with negative press.

“Anthem” released on Xbox One, PS4 and PC Feb. 22, and was met with mixed reviews. While reviewers commented on the potential in the game, it was plagued with technical issues on all platforms. This forced Bioware to drop most of its content schedule and plans so the problems could be addressed.

The negative press continued after a Kotaku report in April revealed the chaotic and messy development “Anthem” went through at Bioware. These allegedly included problems developing on the Frostbite engine and a revolving door of project leads resulting in changing visions.