**James Ohlen Steps Away from Archetype Entertainment as Exodus Advances Towards Release**

In a significant development for the gaming industry, James Ohlen, the long-time creative director and lead designer known for his influential work at Bioware, is stepping down from his role as studio head at Archetype Entertainment. Ohlen co-founded Archetype in 2019, and the studio is currently developing its debut game, *Exodus*, a highly anticipated sci-fi shooter echoing the themes of the iconic *Mass Effect* series.

Following recent promotional events, including a new trailer showcased at the Geoff Awards, *Exodus* is poised for release in early 2027. The game features an array of intriguing elements, including characters like Matthew McConaughey and whimsical encounters with space bears, promising a unique blend of humor and narrative depth.

The news regarding Ohlen’s shift in responsibilities comes from a report by Bloomberg, with Abby Hodes, vice president of corporate communications at Hasbro (parent company of Archetype), commenting that Ohlen felt his contributions to the game’s development had reached completion. According to Hodes, the polishing and fine-tuning stages of the game are in capable hands with the current team.

While moving away from his role at Archetype, Ohlen will remain involved with Wizards of the Coast as a creative consultant, shifting his focus towards tabletop role-playing games (RPGs). His departure comes at a time when *Exodus* is focusing on integrating rich storytelling with mechanics influenced by time dilation, showcasing the studio’s ambition not just to create a game, but to expand the *Exodus* franchise into multiple media avenues.

Chad Robertson, co-founder and general manager of Archetype, has reaffirmed that Hasbro’s vision for *Exodus* extends beyond just gaming. The aim is to establish a broader franchise that can generate revenue through various channels. This strategic move highlights the industry’s trend of cross-media expansion, leveraging successful game concepts into movies, shows, and merchandise.

Meanwhile, Wizards of the Coast has continued to strengthen its leadership, bringing in former Blizzard vice president and Dreamhaven co-founder Paul Della Bitta to manage one of their divisions. The company also recently announced *Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons*, another title scheduled for release in 2027, emphasizing the growing portfolio of innovative gaming experiences under their umbrella.

As *Exodus* approaches its release date, the gaming community remains eager to see how the project unfolds without its renowned visionary at the helm. The unique combination of narrative-driven gameplay and adventurous aesthetics promises to create a notable addition to the sci-fi genre, while the involvement of prominent figures like McConaughey continues to generate buzz and anticipation.