BioWare's Future: Dragon Age, Mass Effect Uncertain

BioWare, once a titan of RPG development, finds itself at a crossroads. The future of Dragon Age hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over the anticipated next Mass Effect installment. This article explores the challenges facing the studio and the uncertain path ahead.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard, intended as a triumphant return to form, instead delivered a critical and commercial disappointment. A Metacritic score of a mere 3 out of 10, based on seven thousand user reviews, and sales figures half of initial projections paint a bleak picture. The uncertainty surrounding future Dragon Age projects, and even the next Mass Effect, is palpable.

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 was a tumultuous journey spanning nearly a decade, marked by significant setbacks and shifting priorities. The ambitious plans following the success of Dragon Age: Inquisition—a 2019-2020 release, followed by a fifth installment within 1.5-2 years, and a concluding sixth installment by 2023-2024—were derailed. Initial resource allocation shifted to Mass Effect: Andromeda, and its subsequent failure led to the disbanding of BioWare Montreal and a significant reallocation of resources to Anthem. This left Dragon Age 4 largely on the drawing board from 2017 to 2019, handled by a small, dedicated team.

In 2017, a pivot towards a live-service model (codenamed Joplin) was considered, mirroring successful titles like Destiny. However, the failure of Anthem in 2019 led to a return to a single-player focus (codenamed Morrison), resulting in further delays and team restructuring. The game was officially announced as Dreadwolf in 2022, later changing its subtitle due to narrative adjustments. The Veilguard, released on October 31, 2024, despite positive critical reception, significantly underperformed commercially, selling approximately 1.5 million copies—nearly 50% below projections.

Key Departures at BioWare

Following The Veilguard's poor performance, BioWare underwent significant restructuring, including layoffs and reassignments. Several key figures departed, including veteran writers Patrick and Karin Weekes (known for their work on both Mass Effect and Dragon Age), game director Corinne Bouche, and several other prominent designers and narrative staff. These departures represent a significant loss of experience and expertise. The BioWare workforce shrunk considerably, though the studio remains operational, with resources redirected to 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 key developers revealed that The Veilguard drew significant inspiration from Mass Effect 2, particularly its companion system and choice-driven narrative. While certain elements, such as the final act, were praised, the attempt to replicate the success of Mass Effect fell short. The game lacked the depth and complexity expected from a Dragon Age title, simplifying core elements of the series and neglecting the established lore and player agency that defined previous installments. The reliance on superficial choices and the reduced impact of player decisions ultimately hampered the overall experience.

Is Dragon Age Dead?

EA's leadership suggested that The Veilguard might have fared better as a live-service game. Financial reports prioritize other projects, casting doubt on the immediate future of the franchise. While the series isn't officially cancelled, its future remains uncertain, possibly requiring a significant shift in approach. The enduring passion of the fanbase, however, keeps the spirit of Dragon Age alive.

What About the Next Mass Effect?

Mass Effect 5, announced in 2020, remains in pre-production with a smaller, restructured team. While details are scarce, it aims for a higher level of photorealism and is expected to continue the storyline of the original trilogy. Given the studio's challenges and extended development cycles, a release before 2027 is unlikely. The success of Mass Effect 5 hinges on avoiding the pitfalls that plagued The Veilguard.