The developers behind the upcoming sci-fi RPG Exodus, a team comprised of veterans from BioWare, acknowledge the significant expectations placed upon them as they aim to deliver a large-scale, high-quality role-playing experience. The team recognizes both the demand for a compelling new RPG and the inherent challenges in meeting that demand.
Drew Karpyshyn, narrative director for Exodus, emphasized the palpable enthusiasm within the gaming community for a new flagship RPG. “We know there’s a hunger [for RPGs] out there,” Karpyshyn stated in an interview with GamesRadar+. “We’re fans ourselves. We know what kind of games we like and we know that the public is waiting for the next big title in the genre to come out, and that gives us a huge opportunity to fulfill that need. However, there’s an incredible amount of pressure, because their expectations are rightfully very high and we’re working hard to make sure we meet them.”
The pressure stems from a desire to not only satisfy existing RPG fans but also to elevate the genre. Karpyshyn continued, “It’s an incredible opportunity. And we have a very high bar to reach. It’s one of the reasons why making games is so difficult, because the bar keeps getting raised because of all the great titles that have come before. You have to take it to the next level.”
Exodus is being developed by Archetype Entertainment, founded by individuals with extensive experience at BioWare, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Mass Effect series. This pedigree naturally invites comparisons and heightened anticipation. The game is described as a sci-fi action RPG built around the concept of time dilation, suggesting a complex narrative and gameplay mechanics.
Chris King, the game director, expressed a desire to offer players something fresh, and innovative. He noted a sense of stagnation within some established franchises, leading him and the team to seek out unique experiences in other games. “As a gamer, even more so than as a developer, over the years I’ve realized I’ve gotten a little bit bored,” King explained. “Some of the franchises I consistently played have kind of lost their grip. Thinking about the titles I played last year, like Blue Prince, Clair Obscur, Ghost of Yotei, I’m looking for fresh, crazy, and new experiences. And I hope others are looking for the same thing. We think we have a really interesting take on a sci-fi open-world space opera RPG. So my hope is that people will give us a chance and discover something that I think is interesting and different from what they’ve played so far.”
The team’s commitment to innovation extends to their approach to game development technology. Notably, the developers have stated they do not currently plan to utilize generative AI in the creation of Exodus, despite investment in the technology by some of the game’s backers. This decision reflects a focus on quality and a belief that the best games are built through dedicated craftsmanship, as stated in a December 14, 2025 report.
This stance was articulated by a developer involved with the project, who emphasized the team’s core philosophy: “We just want to make great games,” Robertson added. “And if for cost reasons or quality reasons, that becomes something that becomes more acceptable…” suggesting a potential openness to the technology in the future, but only if it demonstrably enhances the final product.
The development of Exodus is taking place against a backdrop of increasing interest in the RPG genre. A Reddit post from October 15, 2025, highlighted the excitement surrounding the game, with many users expressing their fondness for Mass Effect and hoping Exodus will capture a similar spirit. This sentiment underscores the weight of expectation on the shoulders of the former BioWare developers.
The team is acutely aware of this expectation and is striving to deliver a game that not only meets but exceeds the standards set by previous successes in the genre. The focus on fresh experiences, coupled with a commitment to quality and a deliberate choice to avoid relying on emerging technologies like generative AI, suggests a thoughtful and ambitious approach to game development. Whether Exodus will ultimately be considered the next great sci-fi RPG remains to be seen, but the developers are clearly aiming high.
