### James Ohlen: A Legacy in Game Development and New Endeavors

James Ohlen, a significant personality in the gaming realm, has made considerable impacts throughout his extensive journey, notably spending an impressive 22 years at BioWare. Celebrated as the lead designer for iconic games such as *Baldur’s Gate 1 & 2*, *Dragon Age: Origins*, and *Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic*, Ohlen has earned the title of the “godfather of BioWare design.” In 2019, he moved to Wizards of the Coast to create a new intellectual property (IP) for the Hasbro-owned tabletop gaming titan.

After cofounding Archetype Entertainment, he and his team initiated the development of a role-playing game named *Exodus*, which has been likened to the cherished *Mass Effect* franchise. Although he played an essential role in its early stages, Ohlen recently declared that he would resign as head of the studio before the game’s expected launch in 2027.

In this regard, Hasbro’s VP of Communications, Abby Hodes, remarked that Ohlen believed his contributions to *Exodus* were fulfilled, enabling him to redirect his creative energy while still participating as a consultant for tabletop gaming projects.

As *Exodus* prepares for its debut, new trailers and gameplay elements have unveiled thrilling mechanics, including character dynamics reminiscent of *Mass Effect*, alongside an innovative time dilation concept that permits players to observe the consequences of their choices over centuries. This ambitious undertaking, which commenced during the pandemic, aims to provide a complex and visually breathtaking gaming experience.

The potential influence of *Exodus* reaches beyond the scope of interactive entertainment; it is set to act as a springboard for a wider array of products. Wizards of the Coast has already launched a related tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) book and is pursuing avenues in trading cards and possible television adaptations, contingent on the game’s commercial success, akin to titles like *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*.

Ohlen’s exit from the head position at Archetype Entertainment aligns with the appointment of Blizzard veteran Paul Della Bitta as the head of Wizards’ Digital Ventures division, further positioning Wizards of the Coast to innovate under new guidance. Nevertheless, numerous former BioWare talents, including Chad Robertson and Drew Karpyshyn, continue to support the creative vision at Archetype.

As the gaming community looks forward to *Exodus*, Ohlen’s journey underscores a lasting legacy in game design and narrative, and his future pursuits are likely to keep inspiring gamers and creators alike.