BioWare's future hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over both the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises. The recent release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, intended as a triumphant return to form, instead sparked widespread concern. A Metacritic score of a mere 3 out of 10, based on 7,000 reviews, and sales figures half of initial projections paint a grim picture.
The uncertainty surrounding BioWare's RPG projects extends beyond Dragon Age, with worries also swirling around the development of the next Mass Effect installment. The situation is complex, demanding a closer look at the contributing factors.
Table of Contents
- The Long Road to Dragon Age 4
- Key Departures at BioWare
- Dragon Age 4 Tried to Mimic Mass Effect but Failed
- Is Dragon Age Dead?
- What About the Next Mass Effect?
The Long Road to Dragon Age 4
The development of Dragon Age 4 has been a tumultuous journey spanning nearly a decade, marked by significant setbacks and shifting priorities. The initial plan, formulated in 2016 following the success of Dragon Age: Inquisition, was ambitious: a 2019-2020 release for Dragon Age 4, followed by a fifth installment within 1.5-2 years, and a concluding sixth installment by 2023-2024. BioWare aimed to elevate Dragon Age to the same level as The Elder Scrolls, with EA pledging substantial support.
However, this ambitious vision crumbled at the end of 2016. Resources were diverted to Mass Effect: Andromeda, developed by BioWare Montreal. Andromeda's failure led to the studio's disbandment, and many staff members were reassigned to Anthem. Consequently, from 2017 to 2019, Dragon Age 4 existed largely in concept form, handled by a small team.
In 2017, EA embraced the live-service model, envisioning Dragon Age as a constantly updated, multiplayer-focused title (codenamed Joplin). But following Anthem's failure in 2019, BioWare successfully advocated for a return to a single-player focus (codenamed Morrison). This pivot resulted in a significant loss of time and required the rebuilding of teams.
In 2022, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf was officially announced. The subtitle later changed due to narrative revisions, shifting focus from Fen'Harel to the protagonist's team. The Veilguard launched on October 31, 2024, receiving positive critical reviews but disappointing sales of approximately 1.5 million copies—nearly 50% below expectations.
Key Departures at BioWare
Following The Veilguard's poor performance, Electronic Arts announced a significant restructuring within BioWare, involving reassignments, layoffs, and the departure of several key figures:
- Patrick and Karin Weekes: Veteran writers with over two decades at BioWare, responsible for iconic characters across the Mass Effect and Dragon Age universes.
- Corinne Bouche: Game director for DA: The Veilguard, who left to pursue a new RPG opportunity.
- Cheryl Chi: Known for beloved characters in the Dragon Age series.
- Silvia Feketekuti: A long-time BioWare contributor, known for her work on iconic characters.
- John Epler: Creative director with a significant history at BioWare.
- Other notable departures include producers Jennifer Shaver and Daniel Sted, narrative editor Ryan Cormier, and senior product manager Lina Anderson.
BioWare's workforce significantly shrank, though the studio remains open. Resources have been reallocated, with some developers joining other EA projects and a smaller team continuing work on the next Mass Effect.
Dragon Age 4 Tried to Mimic Mass Effect but Failed
Interviews with Corinne Bouche and John Epler revealed that The Veilguard drew significant inspiration from Mass Effect 2, particularly its companion system and approval mechanics. The aim was to create impactful choices culminating in a finale similar to ME2's Suicide Mission. Elements inspired by Mass Effect 3's Citadel DLC were also incorporated.
However, this reliance on Mass Effect mechanics proved insufficient. While some aspects, such as the final act, succeeded, the game fell short in other areas. World state customization was limited, the Dragon Age Keep tool became irrelevant, and the story avoided direct connections to previous entries, harming the portrayal of familiar characters. The game also lacked the complexity that defined earlier Dragon Age titles.
Ultimately, The Veilguard excels as an action-adventure game but fails as a true RPG and, more critically, as a Dragon Age title.
Is Dragon Age Dead?
EA executives hinted that The Veilguard might have fared better as a live-service game. Financial reports suggest EA is prioritizing more profitable ventures, raising concerns about the future of single-player Dragon Age titles. While former developers expressed interest in expanding the universe, their departures cast doubt on these ambitions. The future of the series remains uncertain, potentially requiring years of development and a significant shift in format.
What About the Next Mass Effect?
Mass Effect 5, announced in 2020, is currently in pre-production with a reduced team. It aims for greater photorealism and will likely continue the original trilogy's storyline, possibly connecting to Andromeda. However, given the studio restructuring and extended production cycles, a release before 2027 is unlikely.
