'Mass Effect: Andromeda' release date: title still on track despite Chris Wynn's departure

A screenshot from BioWare's trailer for "Mass Effect: Andromeda."Mass Effect/YouTube

Fans eagerly waiting for the next installment in the "Mass Effect" franchise became anxious when news broke about Chris Wynn leaving BioWare as he was the senior development director for "Mass Effect: Andromeda." However, the developer assured fans that the title is still on track for its original release window and such a turn of events had little effect on the game.

According to GamingBolt, BioWare recently issued a statement on Wynn's departure. The company said, "Chris was a great member of the team. We want to thank him for his contributions and we wish him the best in his new adventures. Development of 'Mass Effect: Andromeda' continues to move full speed ahead at BioWare Montreal, Edmonton and Austin."

While some observers say that BioWare issued the statement to pacify fans' worries about the game being derailed and fans losing interest even before the title comes out, the industry follower believes that the developer already had a plan in place. While Wynn indeed was a very senior member of the team, BioWare must have had some plans in place for such eventualities, and already carried out replacements to keep development of "Mass Effect: Andromeda" on track.

Crossmap seems to be also thinking along these lines. According to the industry observer, Wynn leaving BioWare, while regrettable, might not have that much of an impact. A previous behind-the-scenes look at "Mass Effect: Andromeda" confirmed this, as it was speculated that as many as 200 people are working together on the title.

Meanwhile, lead level designer Colin Campbell confirmed that although the team is big, each one communicates clearly to get a seamless development for the game.

Campbell stated, "You need to have a really good team that has really good communication, I might tell a level designer that we need to make a level where we're feeling like we are entrenched, pushing people back from all angles, we want that kind of feeling."