David Gaider announced his exit on Twitter, stating that last Friday would be his final day after 17 years with the studio responsible for Mass Effect, Baldur's Gate, and several other fan-favorite titles.

..."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." "Well...that's that. I now literally cannot get back into the building. Cue sad Hulk theme music as I walk away." "Tomorrow I'll be excited about what comes next. Tonight, however, I am besieged by doubt, drunk, and weeping. This has been a tough day."

Bioware Canada studio head Aaryn Flynn thanked David Gaider for his contributions on Twitter, making it the only official statement from the company so far on the departure:

..."An enormous thank you from all of BioWare for David's contributions to our games. You're always welcome here! :)"...

In a statement released to Polygon, Gaider said that the split was amicable, citing a desire to seek new challenges: