In a somewhat surprising move, Casey Hudson is returning to BioWare to head the studio as general manager as it moves forward on its new IP Anthem. He replaces former GM Aaryn Flynn, who is moving on to other endeavors.

Hudson, who left BioWare in 2015 to be creative director at Microsoft Studios working on Xbox and HoloLens, announced his new role in a post on the official BioWare Blog. "The last few years have been transformative for me, from having time to reflect on what I most want to do, to working with new technologies at platform scale," he said. "And now, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to return to lead BioWare – a studio that I think of as home."

Flynn offered his own post, saying that he will be staying on until the end of the month to aid the transition. "I have been contemplating changes in my own life for some time, but when I heard that Casey had confirmed he was up for the task, I realized the opportunities before us," Flynn said. "I will be working with him over the next couple of weeks to help catch him up and do my part to set him up for success to be the best GM he can be."

Hudson takes over for Flynn as the lead on Anthem, which drew very positive response from press and fans when it was revealed at E3 this year. The game is being billed as a "live service" social experience, and has been delayed to FY 2019 to make sure everything is implemented properly.

BioWare as a studio has gone through some ups and downs of late, primarily because of the rocky launch of Mass Effect Andromeda. After its poor reception, EA put the franchise on hiatus and has designated BioWare Montreal as a support studio for other BioWare projects. BioWare Austin continues to push forward with its Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO, which has gotten stronger after going free-to-play.

Hudson said he is looking forward to the new challenge. "When I look at the stunning progress Aaryn and the team has made with Anthem, and the other projects in the works, I truly believe our best is yet to come."