BioWare hints at possible new Jade Empire, talks timed exclusive DLC

2005 RPG Jade Empire could be resurrected with a sequel, developer BioWare has hinted.

There’s always hope,” studio general manager Aaryn Flynn said in a Kotaku Q&A. Both [Dragon Age’s executive producer] Mark and [creative director] Mike worked on Jade Empire, so they’re advocates for it in the studio (so is Matt Goldman, DAI’s Art Director). I worked on it too

Our plate is awfully full right now, but the idea to go back to the universe does come up pretty regularly. Mark and I spent a solid two hours in my office talking about it not long ago…”

Flynn was also asked about the strategy behind timed exclusivity for DLC in relation to Dragon Age’s Jaws of Hakkon DLC, which is exclusive to Xbox and PC for a limited period.

This approach allowed for a lot of support from Microsoft and Origin in launching the DLC, so did have that benefit for the team, and we appreciate the partnership,” Flynn said. However, as a timed exclusive, it is definitely coming to the game’s other platforms, and based on our internal discussions I expect we’ll be announcing more details next week.

I hope no one boycotts the purchase, as it’s a pretty fun adventure that WILL be available on all platforms. That said, everyone is free to vote/message/communicate how they feel, so if that happens it happens. We’re definitely paying attention.”