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, suggesting the need for "shared-world features and deeper engagement" alongside strong narratives to attract a wider audience. This statement implied that incorporating multiplayer elements would have boosted sales.
However, this interpretation clashes with the game's development history. As previously reported, Dragon Age: 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.
Prominent former BioWare developers voiced their dissent 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 core strengths of the Dragon Age franchise that resonated with its fanbase.
Mike Laidlaw, former creative director on Dragon Age, expressed that he would have resigned if pressured to fundamentally alter a beloved single-player IP into a purely multiplayer experience. He highlighted the absurdity of such a demand, especially considering the game's initial conception and subsequent redirection.
The restructuring of BioWare, resulting in significant layoffs and a focus solely on Mass Effect 5, effectively signals the apparent demise of the Dragon Age franchise at least for the foreseeable future. EA's CFO, Stuart Canfield, framed the decision as a reallocation of resources towards projects with higher potential, reflecting the changing dynamics of the gaming industry. The financial underperformance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard underscored this shift in strategy.
