Former BioWare developers have criticized EA's assessment of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's underperformance and subsequent restructuring of BioWare. EA CEO Andrew Wilson attributed the game's failure to a lack of broad appeal, specifically citing a need for "shared-world features and deeper engagement" alongside strong narratives to attract a wider audience. This suggests EA believes incorporating multiplayer elements would have boosted sales.
However, this interpretation clashes with the game's development history. As previously reported, The Veilguard underwent a significant development reboot, shifting from a planned multiplayer game to a single-player RPG after EA's initial push for live-service elements was reversed. This was described by BioWare staff as a miraculous achievement given the circumstances.
Prominent former BioWare developers voiced their opinions on social media. David Gaider, former narrative lead on Dragon Age, argued that EA's takeaway—that the game should have been live-service—is short-sighted and self-serving. He suggested EA should instead emulate Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3, focusing on the strengths that made Dragon Age popular in the past. He emphasized the enduring love for the IP and the existing audience waiting for a strong single-player experience.
Mike Laidlaw, another former Dragon Age creative director, expressed even stronger dissent, stating he would quit if pressured to fundamentally alter a successful single-player IP into a purely multiplayer game. He highlighted the inherent conflict between the core appeal of the Dragon Age franchise and a forced shift to a multiplayer-only model.
The consequences of The Veilguard's underperformance are significant. Dragon Age's future appears uncertain, with BioWare now fully concentrating on Mass Effect 5. This refocusing involved substantial layoffs, reducing the studio's size considerably, a move EA's CFO justified as reallocating resources to "most significant and highest potential opportunities." The financial performance of The Veilguard, according to EA, underscores the changing industry landscape and the need for strategic resource allocation.
