What's Happening?
BioWare pitched a remaster of the first three Dragon Age games to EA, but the proposal was rejected. According to series veteran Mark Darrah, EA is against remasters and views Dragon Age as lacking mainstream appeal compared to other franchises like Mass Effect. The remaster, intended to be released as 'The Champions Trilogy,' faced challenges due to the different game engines used in the original titles. BioWare considered outsourcing the remaster to a mod house but ultimately faced resource constraints, as the studio was already divided between Mass Effect and Dragon Age projects.
Why It's Important?
EA's decision to reject the Dragon Age remaster proposal highlights the company's focus on mainstream success and its reluctance to invest in projects perceived as niche. This decision may disappoint fans of the franchise who have been anticipating a remastered version. The rejection also underscores the challenges faced by BioWare in balancing resources between its major franchises, potentially affecting the development and future of the Dragon Age series. The move reflects broader industry trends where publishers prioritize projects with higher commercial potential.
What's Next?
The future of the Dragon Age series remains uncertain, especially after the mixed reception of the latest installment, Veilguard. BioWare may need to reassess its strategy for the franchise, possibly focusing on new projects that align with EA's mainstream success criteria. The studio's internal dynamics and resource allocation will be crucial in determining the direction of future Dragon Age games. Fans may need to wait for further announcements regarding the series' development.