Fans of BioWare’s beloved Dragon Age franchise were dealt a blow with the recent revelation that plans for a remaster of the original trilogy have been shelved. Former BioWare developer Mark Darrah disclosed in an interview with MrMattyPlays on YouTube that Electronic Arts (EA) rejected the proposed remaster of “Dragon Age: Origins,” “Dragon Age II,” and “Dragon Age: Inquisition,” which was intended to be part of a “Champions Trilogy” bundle.
The remastered collection aimed to reignite interest in the franchise and attract new players to the series. However, EA’s longstanding reluctance towards remasters has put an end to these plans. Darrah noted that EA has “historically been kind of against remasters,” a stance that has left many fans and industry observers puzzled.
EA’s Mixed Track Record with Remasters
This decision comes in stark contrast to EA’s previous success with the “Mass Effect Legendary Edition,” a remaster of the original Mass Effect trilogy that was well-received both critically and commercially. The move has sparked criticism, with many pointing out the potential financial gain that a Dragon Age remaster could bring.
“Remasters of classic games have, more often than not, proven to be huge financial successes,” industry analyst Jane Smith remarked. “The success of Bethesda’s ‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered’ is a testament to this trend.”
Indeed, “Oblivion Remastered” became the best-selling game of April 2025, amassing over 4 million players shortly after its release. This success story highlights the missed opportunity for EA and BioWare to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the Dragon Age series.
Challenges and Opportunities for BioWare
While the decision to forgo a remaster is disappointing, it is not the only setback BioWare has faced. Darrah also revealed that plans for a DLC expansion for “Mass Effect: Andromeda” were scrapped due to external pressures. This pattern of canceled projects raises questions about EA’s support for BioWare’s creative endeavors.
Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. EA has demonstrated its capacity to back ambitious projects, as evidenced by the upcoming release of “Battlefield 6,” developed by a coalition of studios including DICE and Criterion Games. The game’s beta has already broken records, indicating strong player interest.
“If given the incentive, EA is capable of letting BioWare pull off a Dragon Age remaster collection,” Darrah suggested, leaving the door open for future possibilities.
The Legacy of Dragon Age and BioWare
The Dragon Age series holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, with “Dragon Age: Origins” often hailed as one of the best RPGs of its time. The game’s rich storytelling, complex characters like Morrigan and Shale, and immersive world-building set a high bar for the genre.
BioWare’s legacy extends beyond Dragon Age, with classics like “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and “Baldur’s Gate” cementing its reputation as a pioneer in role-playing games. However, recent years have seen the studio struggle to recapture its former glory, particularly after the mixed reception of “Mass Effect 3.”
As BioWare navigates its path forward, fans remain hopeful for a return to the studio’s roots. The potential for a Dragon Age remaster, while currently unrealized, continues to be a topic of fervent discussion among the community.
Looking Forward: The Future of RPGs
While EA’s decision may have closed one door, the landscape of role-playing games continues to evolve. Newer studios like Owlcat Games and Larian Studios are carrying the torch with titles such as “Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader” and “Baldur’s Gate 3,” offering fresh takes on the genre.
Whether or not EA will eventually greenlight a Dragon Age remaster remains uncertain. However, the enduring appeal of the series and the passion of its fanbase suggest that the story of Dragon Age is far from over.
As the gaming industry continues to change, one thing remains clear: the legacy of Dragon Age and BioWare’s contributions to the RPG genre will not be forgotten.
