BioWare "was mature enough to handle the EA bear hug"

The EA acquisition process has been described as well meaning but vigorous” by the former boss of EA-owned studio BioWare.

BioWare was acquired by EA back in 2007 and has gone on to produce smash hits such as the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series, as well as MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic.

"I think one of the reasons that we survived and succeeded within EA was that our company was mature enough and there was enough good people throughout to handle the EA bear hug — something that is well meaning but vigorous," he told Polygon.

"We needed to be strong to survive that and I think we did and you evolve from that as well."

Zeschuk quit BioWare last year but continues to insist that the change of corporate culture that must surely have accompanied EA’s moving in was nothing more than one factor amongst many in his decision.

"Everything’s a factor," he added. "There’s nothing that’s not a factor, but there’s no single one thing. I think the best way I can describe is: Do the same thing for twenty years and it’s very, very intense. It’s very high pressure. It’s very high stress. It’s challenging. It’s sometimes rewarding and sometimes it’s not. And you just get tired of it after awhile.

That is probably the easiest way to for me to describe it. Sometimes you just need to change things.”