What's Happening?
BioWare, the developer behind the popular Dragon Age series, proposed a remaster of its original trilogy, including Dragon Age: Origins, II, and Inquisition. This proposal was turned down by Electronic Arts (EA), the publisher, due to its historical aversion to remasters and the technical challenges involved. Mark Darrah, former executive producer at BioWare, revealed that the remaster would have required significant resources due to the different game engines used in the series. The first two games were developed on BioWare's Eclipse Engine, while Inquisition used Frostbite, making the remaster technically demanding compared to the Mass Effect remaster, which was on a single engine. Darrah noted that EA's reluctance to pursue remasters is unusual for a publicly traded company, as remasters are often seen as a source of easy revenue.
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Why It's Important?
The decision by EA to decline the Dragon Age remaster proposal highlights the complexities and strategic considerations involved in game development and publishing. Remasters can rejuvenate interest in older franchises and generate additional revenue with relatively low investment. However, EA's stance suggests a prioritization of new content over revisiting past successes. This decision impacts fans of the Dragon Age series who have been anticipating a remastered collection similar to the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. It also reflects broader industry trends where publishers weigh the benefits of remasters against the potential for new, original content.
What's Next?
While the remaster proposal was declined, the future of the Dragon Age series remains uncertain. Mark Darrah, who left BioWare in 2020 but returned as a consultant, has been candid about the challenges faced by the Dragon Age team. The series' latest installment, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, launched in 2024, wrapping up many ongoing storylines. Fans may need to wait for new developments or announcements regarding the series' direction. EA's decision may prompt BioWare to focus on new projects or explore other avenues to engage the Dragon Age fanbase.
Beyond the Headlines
The rejection of the remaster proposal raises questions about the strategic direction of EA and its approach to legacy franchises. It also underscores the technical challenges of remastering games with diverse engine requirements, which can be a significant barrier to such projects. The decision may influence other developers and publishers considering remasters, highlighting the importance of technical feasibility and strategic alignment with company goals.
