EA Criticized for Ignoring Larian's Success, Dragon Age Creator Advises

Former BioWare developers have criticized EA's assessment of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf's underperformance and the subsequent restructuring of BioWare. EA CEO Andrew Wilson attributed the game's failure to a lack of broad appeal, citing a need for "shared-world features and deeper engagement" alongside strong narratives to expand beyond the core fanbase. This statement, coupled with BioWare's restructuring to focus solely on Mass Effect 5, has led to layoffs and the reassignment of staff.

The game's development was fraught with challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel, as previously reported by IGN and Bloomberg. Internal sources at BioWare reportedly described the game's completion as a miracle, given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed.

Prominent former BioWare developers have voiced their opinions on social media. David Gaider, former narrative lead on Dragon Age, criticized EA's conclusion that the game's failure stemmed from a lack of live-service elements, calling it short-sighted. He argued that 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 players in the past.

Mike Laidlaw, a former creative director on Dragon Age, expressed even stronger dissent, stating he would resign if pressured to transform a successful single-player IP into a purely multiplayer experience. He highlighted the inherent risk of fundamentally altering the DNA of a beloved franchise.

The overall situation suggests the future of the Dragon Age franchise is uncertain, with BioWare's resources now fully committed to Mass Effect 5. EA's CFO, Stuart Canfield, acknowledged the changing industry landscape and the financial implications of Dreadwolf's performance, justifying the resource reallocation towards projects with higher potential. The restructuring has reportedly resulted in significant staff reductions at BioWare.