EA Unveils Audience Concerns in Dragon Age

EA's Andrew Wilson attributes the financial underperformance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard to its failure to connect with a wider audience. Last week's restructuring of BioWare, focusing development solely on Mass Effect 5, saw personnel shifts following the game's disappointing sales figures. EA reported only 1.5 million players engaged with The Veilguard, significantly below projections.

IGN previously documented The Veilguard's troubled development, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel. According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, BioWare staff viewed the game's completion as a feat, given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed.

Wilson, in an investor call, suggested future RPGs require "shared-world features and deeper engagement," alongside strong narratives, to broaden appeal. He acknowledged the game's high-quality launch and positive reviews, but emphasized its limited audience reach in a competitive market. This statement seems contradictory given EA's prior decision to steer BioWare away from a live-service model for Dragon Age. The success of recent single-player RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 further challenges Wilson's assertion.

The future of the Dragon Age franchise appears uncertain. EA CFO Stuart Canfield highlighted the industry shift and the need to prioritize high-potential projects, explaining the BioWare restructuring, which reportedly reduced staff from 200 to under 100, focusing on Mass Effect 5. He emphasized the historical dominance of blockbuster storytelling but acknowledged the changing landscape.

It's crucial to note that single-player games contribute minimally to EA's overall revenue. Live service games, particularly Ultimate Team, but also titles like Apex Legends and The Sims, account for the majority (74% in the past year). Future EA titles like Skate and the next Battlefield will likely also embrace the live-service model.