Fans of BioWare’s acclaimed Dragon Age franchise were dealt a blow recently when it was revealed that plans to remaster the original trilogy have been shelved. Former BioWare developer Mark Darrah disclosed in an interview with MrMattyPlays on YouTube that Electronic Arts (EA) decided against moving forward with the remastering project, which was intended to be released as a “Champions Trilogy” bundle.
The proposed collection was set to include remastered versions of Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age II, and Dragon Age: Inquisition. The aim was to rejuvenate interest in the franchise and attract a new generation of players. However, Darrah confirmed that EA rejected the idea, citing the company’s historical reluctance towards remasters.
EA’s Stance on Remasters
The decision by EA to forgo remastering the Dragon Age series has puzzled many, especially given the success of similar projects. Darrah’s comments highlight a perceived inconsistency in EA’s strategy, as the publisher has previously released the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, a successful remaster of the original Mass Effect trilogy.
Remasters have often proven to be lucrative ventures. For instance, Bethesda Softworks’ The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was a commercial success, topping sales charts and amassing a large player base shortly after its release. This raises questions about EA’s decision to leave potential revenue on the table by not pursuing the Dragon Age remasters.
Mixed Reception and Financial Struggles
Instead of remasters, fans received Dragon Age: Veilguard, a new entry in the series that garnered mixed reviews and failed to meet EA’s sales expectations. This outcome has cast doubt on the future of the franchise and BioWare’s ability to return to its former glory.
Darrah also revealed that Dragon Age is not the only franchise affected by EA’s decisions. Plans for a DLC expansion for Mass Effect: Andromeda, involving the Quarian race, were similarly scrapped. This pattern of cancellations has sparked criticism of EA’s handling of its game franchises.
BioWare’s Legacy and Future Prospects
BioWare, once celebrated for its RPG masterpieces like Dragon Age: Origins and Mass Effect, has faced challenges in recent years. Since the controversial ending of Mass Effect 3, the studio has struggled to replicate its past successes, often diverging from its RPG roots under EA’s oversight.
Despite these setbacks, there is hope that EA might eventually support a remaster or even a full remake of the Dragon Age series. The upcoming Battlefield 6, developed by a coalition of studios under EA, demonstrates the publisher’s capability to fund and support ambitious projects when motivated.
“Remasters of classic games have, more often than not, proven to be huge financial successes,” said Darrah, reflecting on the potential missed opportunity.
Looking Ahead
While the future of Dragon Age remasters remains uncertain, fans can look to other studios for similar RPG experiences. Developers like Owlcat Games and Larian Studios continue to carry the torch with titles such as Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader and Baldur’s Gate 3.
As the gaming community waits to see if EA will reconsider its stance, the legacy of BioWare’s classic RPGs endures, inspiring both players and developers alike. Whether or not a Dragon Age remaster comes to fruition, the impact of the series on the RPG genre remains indelible.
