The future of the critically acclaimed 'Dragon Age' fantasy role-playing game series appears uncertain, with its original creator, David Gaider, expressing doubts about any further instalments. This follows the significant commercial underperformance of the latest title, 'Dragon Age: The Veilguard', which launched in 2024.
Publisher EA revealed that 'The Veilguard' sold only 1.5 million copies in its initial months, falling short of its estimated 3 million sales target by almost 50 per cent. Gaider, who served as lead writer for the original 'Dragon Age' and its sequels 'Dragon Age 2' and 'Inquisition' before leaving BioWare in 2016, recently told PC Gamer that he considers it 'unlikely' that a new game in the franchise will ever be developed.
Gaider reflected on the series' history, noting that during his tenure at BioWare, the project consistently faced the risk of being cancelled. He explained that despite strong sales for previous titles, which often surprised EA, the publisher never seemed to fully grasp the franchise's potential. He recounted instances where successful sales were dismissed as 'flukes' rather than indicators of consistent demand.
The commercial disappointment of 'The Veilguard' appears to have solidified this perception within EA. Following the game's release, developer BioWare confirmed that its focus has now shifted to a new 'Mass Effect' title, another prominent franchise from the studio. Additionally, Corinne Busche, the game director for 'The Veilguard', has reportedly departed the studio, further suggesting a pivot away from the 'Dragon Age' series.
Despite the current outlook, Gaider expressed a personal interest in revitalising the franchise should the opportunity arise. He stated he would be keen to 'breathe the life back into this baby', aiming to return to the core elements that originally resonated with players. He envisions taking the series in a 'dark and dangerous' direction, exploring themes that could challenge and provoke its audience.