Former BioWare writer David Gaider has joined Beamdog as creative director, the company announced on its website today.
Beamdog released updated versions of both Baldur’s Gate games on PC and mobile. Gaider served as a writer on Baldur’s Gate 2. At BioWare, he also worked on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Neverwinter Nights, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, and Dragon Age Inquisition. Before leaving last month after 17 years, he was attached to the developer’s unannounced new IP, BioWare said development on the project would continue unabated. At Beamdog, “David will lead the writing team and direct new creative endeavors for the company.”
The company says it was originally searching for a senior writer but when Gaider contacted them they enhanced the position.
He’ll be in familiar company in his new job, Beamdog was founded in 2010 by BioWare co-founder Trent Oster and Cameron Tofer, a former lead programmer at BioWare.
And it's official! I've joined @BeamdogInc here in Edmonton as their new Creative Director: https://t.co/VIp4Euldgj #excitingtimes
— David Gaider (@davidgaider) February 9, 2016
Welcome to the @Beamdog team @davidgaider https://t.co/0DytCtMjFA
— Trent Oster (@TrentOster) February 9, 2016
Several enhanced versions of Infinity Engine games have been released by Beamdog since 2012. Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition launched that year and was followed by Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edtion in 2013. Last July, the company announced that it would developer an expansion for the original Baldur’s Gate titled Baldur’s Gate: Siege of Dragonspear. Set to take place between the events of the two games, it’s set for release early this year.
When Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition was released, Beamdog producer Phillip Daigle said he was hopeful that it would lead to a contract to develop Baldur’s Gate 3.
Regardless of whether Gaider’s first project at Beamdog is Baldur’s Gate related, it will be interesting to follow developments. BioWare’s next game is Mass Effect Andromeda, which is due for release between October 2016 and April 2017.
