Dragon Age: The Veilguard Soars With BioWare’s Return to Its Roots, Says EA CEO

Dragon Age: The Veilguard has launched to widespread praise, offering BioWare a momentous victory it sorely needed. After the mixed receptions to Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, the pressure was high for BioWare to make a comeback – and it seems The Veilguard has achieved exactly that.

With official launch tomorrow, the industry is already buzzing, and so far, it’s all positive. Studio insiders and EA executives have attributed The Veilguard’s critical success to BioWare’s recommitment to its storytelling roots, marking a return to the deeply immersive RPG experiences that once cemented its legacy.

Making BioWare Great Again

EA CEO Andrew Wilson believes BioWare’s return to familiar territory is key to The Veilguard’s reception. In a recent investor call, Wilson explained that Anthem was ambitious but ultimately missed the mark because it diverged from BioWare’s core strengths. However, with The Veilguard, BioWare has focused on what it does best: intricate character-driven narratives, complex relationships, and the kind of moral choices that add depth to gameplay.

Wilson shared, “The BioWare team has really rallied around what made BioWare a fan favorite studio – incredibly rich worlds, nuanced characters, and the camaraderie that fans crave.”

Classic RPG Appeal with a Fresh Combat System

While The Veilguard does introduce a refreshed combat system, its classic RPG elements are undeniably familiar. The mechanics behind party interaction, character progression, and the branching storylines are reminiscent of early Dragon Age and Mass Effect titles – the very elements that have kept fans loyal to BioWare over the years.

Though some may find the combat less engaging over time, these core RPG features provide the game’s lasting appeal, keeping players invested in its world and characters.

What This Means for the Future of BioWare

Following The Veilguard’s success, fans of BioWare’s Mass Effect series are especially eager to see what’s next. Project Director Michael Gamble recently responded to fan questions about the art direction for the next Mass Effect, noting that while Dragon Age and Mass Effect are different in tone, Mass Effect will continue to embrace its photorealistic style.

BioWare’s future is looking brighter than it has in years, and The Veilguard has shown that focusing on the fundamentals can make all the difference.