David Gaider, the writer behind popular BioWare games like Dragon Age: Inquisition and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, has left the studio after nearly two decades. He announced the news himself in a tweet.

Some news: I must sadly announce that, after 17 years, today is my last day at BioWare. I'll miss my team, and wish everyone here the best. — David Gaider (@davidgaider) January 22, 2016

Gaider confirmed that it was his choice to leave in an email to Polygon. "It was indeed my decision, one not made easily since BioWare's been very good to me, and the parting is amicable," he wrote. "It's simply time to move onto a new challenge."

"As to where I'm headed next, that announcement will come in due time — today's about saying goodbye and packing up," he added.

Gaider's career in the gaming industry began back in 1999, when he was enlisted to work on Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. His designs for the Windows PC RPG gave way to bigger roles and projects; he wrote for characters like HK-47 in Knights of the Old Republic and then served as the lead writer of Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark, his first project in that role.

He went on to work on and design characters for each of the Dragon Age games, starting from its initial release. He also wrote Dragon Age: The Silent Grove, the companion comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics.

Dragon Age: Inquisition, our top game of 2014, saw the openly gay writer designing a "fully gay" party member for the first time. Dorian was not only the Dragon Age series' first gay cast member, but the first to be included in any BioWare game's party. Gaider wrote about his interest in and experience with creating more inclusive games back in February of 2014, prior to Inquisition's release.

We've reached out to both BioWare regarding Gaider's departure from the studio, and will update accordingly.

Update: A representative for BioWare pointed us toward a tweet from BioWare Canada's general manager, Aaryn Flynn, as its official statement on Gaider's exit.

An enormous thank you from all of BioWare for David's contributions to our games. You're always welcome here! :) https://t.co/Za6DOrTYB1 — Aaryn Flynn (@AarynFlynn) January 22, 2016

Correction: Dorian was, specifically, the first gay party member to be included in a BioWare game. The text above has been updated to reflect this.