Unveiling the Veilguard: Post-Release Insights on Dragon Age’s Ambitious Shift

The Unstoppable Force of BioWare’s Dragon Age Franchise

As we mark one month since the launch of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, it’s clear that the franchise is still an extraordinary force to be reckoned with. With a decade-long development cycle, three major revisions, and a reputation for reinvention, BioWare’s latest installment has stirred up a whirlwind of emotions among fans.

In this exclusive interview, I sat down with Corinne Busche, Game Director, and John Epler, Series Creative Director, to discuss the making of The Veilguard, the reaction to the game, and what the future holds for the beloved franchise.

The Launch and the Reaction

"I found myself feeling a sense of curiosity," Corinne revealed. "We’re so close to the game, and it’s hard to take a step back and look at it objectively." John echoed her sentiments, expressing relief that the game was finally out and the reviews were coming in favorably.

However, both Corinne and John expected the game to be polarizing, given the franchise’s history of reinvention. "We’ve reinvented ourselves with each entry," Corinne pointed out. "It’s what makes the franchise unique." John added, "And that’s what makes the reaction so interesting. There’s a faultline dividing opinion on the game."

The Making of a Masterpiece

Corinne and John shared some of the challenges they faced during development, including the struggle to balance the game’s tone and the importance of Varric’s storyline. "We wanted to make sure that the player had a chance to connect with Varric," Corinne explained. John added, "It’s a love letter to what makes a BioWare game a BioWare game. We looked at Mass Effect 2 for inspiration, and it was a privilege to be able to learn from one of the greatest science-fiction stories ever told."

The Future of Dragon Age

So, what’s next for the franchise? Corinne hinted that there are many stories left to tell, and John expressed his love for the setting and its characters. "There are lots of threads I still want to tell in this world," he said. "I just love the franchise, and I am excited to keep telling stories in this world."

For now, it’s unclear what the future holds, but one thing is certain: BioWare’s dedication to reinvention and their passion for storytelling will keep fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

Top 5 Takeaways from the Interview

1. Reinvention is key: BioWare has made a name for themselves by reinventing their franchises with each new installment, and Dragon Age is no exception.
2. The game is polarizing: Fans are divided in their opinions about The Veilguard, but Corinne and John expected as much given the franchise’s history.
3. Varric’s story is crucial: Corinne and John emphasized the importance of Varric’s storyline and the emotional resonance it brings to the game.
4. Influence from Mass Effect: The game’s creative direction was influenced by Mass Effect 2, which shows in the game’s tone and storytelling.
5. The future is uncertain: While Corinne and John hinted at the potential for more Dragon Age stories, the future of the franchise remains uncertain.

As we look to the horizon, one thing is certain: BioWare’s dedication to storytelling and their commitment to reinvention will continue to captivate fans for years to come.