Why Jack Wall Isn’t Composing Mass Effect 3

Back in February, Clint Mansell revealed he would be creating the soundtrack to Mass Effect 3, despite previous composer Jack Wall’s huge influence on both the first and second Mass Effect games.

When asked why Wall departed from the series before completing the trilogy, he replied, “Well, I’ve had a great relationship with BioWare for five years, and I think, you know, as with any important relationship it’s complicated. Now I’m working with other clients and it feels fresh to me and I think they feel the same way, so I think it’s just time to move on. I have nothing but love for those people. I’m sure I’ll see them again. It’s just time for a break, maybe.”

Wall was questioned during a GDC session, in which he spoke about the methods he and the team employed to create Mass Effect 2’s interactive soundtrack. Wall brought a particular set of skills to the table, combining his musical composition abilities with technological know-how. The concern now is that Clint Mansell, a Hollywood composer, will lack the skills necessary for working on Mass Effect 3.

Wall doesn’t seem too concerned, though: “As long as you have someone doing what we did on the game development side, you can get away with that, and have just somebody write great music and direct them how to do it.”

“[It] doesn’t necessarily make me more suited to a particular project, unless the developer feels it is,” Wall explained. “I hope Clint Mansell can get up to speed on that quick and doesn’t feel too overwhelmed. He’s a very talented guy, so I’m sure it’ll be great.”

I’m not so sure, but Mansell is no doubt a talented man, having scored some of the best soundtracks in film, including Requiem for a Dream and Moon. Here’s hoping he can evoke the same mood that made Mass Effect so much more than a typical sci-fi adventure.

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