BioWare Co-Founder Shares “Worst Advice” Microsoft Ever Gave Him

BioWare Co-Founder Greg Zheschuk told Simon Parker his unique industry insights while on the My Perfect Console podcast. When asked about his biggest regret while working in the industry, Zheschuk discussed the “worst advice” Microsoft ever gave him. 

“Microsoft was like, ‘nono, you should release it right now, right at the end of the cycle, because it’s a great time.’ It was the worst advice, absolute moronic advice from them, the stupidest thing ever,” Zheschuk said. 

The co-founder regrets not spending more time to prepare Jade Empire for release, a video game title that debuted on the original Xbox in 2005. Zheschuk yearned for six more months of development, giving the game time to launch alongside the Xbox 360. 

Instead, the game was released at the end of the original Xbox’s life – resulting in diminished demand that Zeschuk believes ultimately spelled the demise of Jade Empire, a game that sold half a million copies during its first two months. The action adventure RPG was later ported to PC in 2007, earning an 8.6/10 review from IGN. 

“I just think it would have been a way more successful product at the beginning of a cycle than the end, because by the time it came out people weren’t even buying Xbox anymore,” the co-founder shared, concluding his thoughts on the matter. 

Greg Zheschuk played a pivotal role during his tenure at BioWare. He held the position of Joint-CEO, President, General Manager, and Co-Founder of the company. Zheschuk supervised development of Star Wars: The Old Republic, an iconic title that represents BioWare studio’s peak in game development. He has since retired, and is now happily indulging in beer-related content.