Dragon Age: The Veilguardhad a turbulent development cycle, taking nearly a decade to release. Despite a strong critical reception, its launchfailed to meet Electronic Arts’ expectations. With 1.5 million players engaging with the game in its first two months, EA leadership acknowledged that it did not break beyond its core audience. The company’s recent earnings call highlighted its need to adapt to evolving player demands, and BioWare now faces a period of restructuring.
Rather than focusing on post-launch DLC, BioWare appears to be moving forward with its next project, which could ultimately benefitDragon Ageas a series. By forgoing additional content forThe Veilguard, the studio may be able to shorten the turnaround time for the next installment, especially as it refocuses efforts onMass Effect.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard as a Complete Experience
One of the biggest advantages ofThe Veilguardskipping DLCis that it offers a complete experience from the start. Previous entries in the franchise relied heavily on post-launch expansions to tie up storylines.Dragon Age: Originsreceived multiple DLC packs and a full expansion,Awakening.Dragon Age 2introduced new characters and story elements after release, andDragon Age: Inquisitionsaved its true ending forTrespasser, a major expansion that concluded the game’s main arc.
This approach often left players feeling that critical story content was locked behind additional purchases. Some companions, such asShale inOriginsand Sebastian inDragon Age 2, were tied to DLC, making them feel less integrated into the core experience.The Veilguard, by contrast, delivers its complete story without relying on future expansions. While some may have hoped for additional content, this shift ensures that the full narrative is accessible from day one.
BioWare’s Focus on the Next Mass Effect
WithBioWare shifting its attention toMass Effect, some fans worry thatDragon Agecould be placed on hold indefinitely. However, this refocusing could ultimately strengthen the franchise. The studio has gone through multiple layoffs and restructuring efforts, signaling a need for stability. By prioritizingMass Effect, BioWare may regain its footing and reestablish itself as a leading RPG developer again before returning toDragon Age.
Dragon Age: The Veilguardmay not have met every expectation, but it stands as a clearimprovement overMass Effect: Andromedain several key areas. Visually, it delivers a more polished experience, with refined cutscenes and smoother gameplay. UnlikeAndromeda, which required multiple patches to address technical issues,The Veilguardlaunched in a far more stable state. BioWare has learned from past missteps, and if those lessons carry forward, the nextMass Effectcould benefit from a more refined development process and a stronger launch.
The Future of Dragon Age After BioWare’s Restructuring
The lack of DLC forThe Veilguardmay also reflect BioWare’s changing development priorities. Instead of committing resources to post-launch content, the studio can channel its efforts into its next major project. This could mean that whenDragon Agereturns, it does so with a clearer vision and a more efficient development cycle.
IfBioWare successfully stabilizes withMass Effect, it may expand once again, allowingDragon Ageto reemerge stronger. The extended gap betweenInquisitionandThe Veilguardwas due in part to constant shifts in direction. By avoiding that kind of turmoil, the nextDragon Agecould arrive much sooner than expected.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you’re able to’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
