Dragon Age Co-Creator Offers EA Some Advice: Follow Baldur’s Gate 3 Developer Larian’s Lead

Former BioWare developers have criticized EA's assessment of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf'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, the game underwent a significant development reboot, shifting from a planned multiplayer title to a single-player RPG after EA initially mandated live-service elements. This pivot, according to reports from BioWare staff and journalist Jason Schreier, was a Herculean effort.

Several prominent former BioWare developers voiced their opinions on social media. David Gaider, former narrative lead on Dragon Age, argued that EA's conclusion – 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 that made Dragon Age popular in the past. He emphasized the continued existence of a dedicated fanbase eager for a high-quality single-player experience.

Mike Laidlaw, another former creative director on Dragon Age, went further, stating he would resign if pressured to fundamentally alter a beloved single-player IP into a purely multiplayer game. He highlighted the absurdity of such a demand, particularly given its potential to alienate the established fanbase.

The aftermath of Dreadwolf's underperformance has effectively sidelined the Dragon Age franchise, with BioWare now fully concentrating on Mass Effect 5. EA's CFO, Stuart Canfield, confirmed the restructuring, which significantly reduced BioWare's workforce, citing the need to reallocate resources towards projects with higher potential. This decision underscores the shifting industry landscape and the pressure on studios to deliver financially successful titles within a competitive market.