The legacy of Star Wars is immeasurable, with its extensive list of films, TV shows, games, books, and comics that have captivated audiences for over four decades. However, what often goes unrecognized is the significant contribution of Canadians to the franchise’s success. BioWare, a relatively unknown studio in Edmonton in the late ’90s to early 2000s, gained recognition with their successful games based on the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop franchise. This caught the attention of LucasArts, the publisher of Star Wars games, and they entrusted BioWare with the monumental task of creating Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), the first-ever Star Wars RPG video game.
Released in 2003, KOTOR offered a unique experience, allowing players to create their own soldier, become a Jedi, and form a diverse party of characters to combat the evil Darth Malak. Set 4,000 years before the Skywalker Saga, KOTOR stood out in the vast Star Wars universe. The game resonated with players and received critical acclaim, winning Game of the Year at the Game Developers Choice Awards. It firmly established BioWare as a reputable developer and paved the way for their beloved original IPs, such as Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
In celebration of KOTOR’s 20th anniversary, MobileSyrup interviewed key Canadians involved in the game’s creation. James Ohlen, the lead designer, expressed his desire to create an epic hero experience, akin to the characters in the Star Wars movies. Drew Karpyshyn, the lead writer, appreciated the creative freedom they had, as KOTOR existed outside the established Star Wars canon. Aaryn Flynn, a programmer, shared the daunting task of delivering a game that would live up to the iconic Star Wars franchise. Steve Gilmour, the lead animator, highlighted the excitement and responsibility the team felt in contributing to the Star Wars legacy.
The Canadian team at BioWare, along with numerous talented artists, came together to create one of the greatest games of all time. Their passion and dedication allowed KOTOR to stand alongside the iconic Star Wars films. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the challenges and triumphs of a team of Canadian nerds who had the opportunity to work on the cherished Star Wars IP.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
