Dragon Age
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dragon Age across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Why so many game developers don't want to use generative AI
Many game developers express strong reservations about using generative AI, citing ethical concerns, environmental impact, copyright issues, and job security risks. Despite some executives championing AI as a tool for efficiency, a significant portion of the industry views it as unproven, potentially harmful to creativity, and undesirable by players.
BioWare's co-founder fought to make Baldur's Gate 3 for over a decade, then Larian did it instead: 'I…
BioWare co-founder Trent Oster discusses the long and difficult journey to get Baldur's Gate 3 made, with multiple studios like Black Isle, Obsidian, and Beamdog attempting and failing to secure funding over two decades. Beamdog, led by Oster, pitched a version to Wizards of the Coast but ultimately could not secure the necessary $20 million budget, leading them to pursue other projects. Oster reflects on Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3, acknowledging their greater capital and ability to execute their vision at a high scale.
Say hello to EA Advertising, which will let your favourite brands 'integrate' ads to 'enhance' your…
Electronic Arts has launched EA Advertising, a new platform enabling brands to integrate advertisements into its games. Initially targeting sports titles like EA Sports FC and Madden NFL, these "in-game integrations" will feature dynamic placements, branded content, and reward-driven objectives. EA claims its games reach over 120 million players monthly, presenting a significant opportunity for advertisers to "enhance" player experiences.
Where Birds Sleep is a game about control. Or, well, your lack of control
Where Birds Sleep is a unique point-and-click adventure game that challenges traditional player control by making the protagonist Cormo override player choices. Developed by Quiet Little Feet, the game explores themes of morality and consequences, with player actions influencing Cormo's attributes and opening or closing narrative paths. The game aims to create a struggle for control and agency, offering a different experience from games like Baldur's Gate 3 or Disco Elysium.
Former Dragon Age lead says product placements could help combat "overreliance on microtransactions" and I agree because every game should make you pick a watch colour
Former Dragon Age director Mike Darrah suggests that product placement could offer an alternative revenue stream to combat the industry's overreliance on microtransactions. The article agrees, proposing that integrating branded items, like watches, could help fund single-player games and diversify monetization strategies beyond live-service models.
Business and Finance
A veteran from BioWare's Dragon Age series suggests the game industry could adopt revenue strategies from the movie business. In related news, Atari is reportedly in the process of acquiring the company behind the popular Crossy Road games.
Game Con Canada Is Just Over Two Weeks Away & We're Holding A Contest For Tickets!
Game Con Canada 2026, Western Canada's largest gaming convention, is scheduled for June 19-21 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. The event will feature contests for tickets, including a chance to win VIP experiences, alongside tournaments for Valorant and Street Fighter 6, special guests, cosplay competitions, and guided TTRPG adventures. The New North American Games Industry Summit (NAGIS) will precede the convention.
Former BioWare producer says we could be saved from a world where there's 'no AAA games that aren't live…
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah suggests the AAA gaming industry could learn from Hollywood's business models to avoid a future dominated solely by live service games. He argues that the current reliance on microtransactions and live services discourages innovation and the exploration of diverse game genres. Darrah proposes that adopting strategies like tiered release windows and more varied subscription models could lead to a healthier and more sustainable industry.
Video Games Could Have Movie-Style Product Placement to Counter Rising Costs, Ex-Dragon Age Boss Says
Former BioWare Dragon Age boss Mark Darrah suggests that incorporating movie-style product placement could help offset the escalating costs of big-budget video game development. This approach might provide a financial solution for studios facing increasing production expenses.
Former Dragon Age producer thinks product placement could replace microtransactions
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah suggests product placement as a potential alternative to microtransactions in video games. He argues that relying heavily on in-game purchases can lead developers to design games around high-spending players rather than the overall player experience. Darrah believes product placement could help fund projects without pushing every game towards a live service model, potentially fostering more variety in game development.
Dragon Age and BioWare veteran says games could learn a thing or two from how the movie business makes money
BioWare veteran Mark Darrah suggests the video game industry could learn from the movie business's diverse revenue streams beyond initial sales. He argues that an over-reliance on microtransactions and live services stifles other genres and proposes exploring avenues like product placement to diversify income and prevent a future dominated solely by live service AAA games.
Comings and Goings
Quantic Dream is facing criticism for its live-service game performance and subsequent layoffs. Meanwhile, former developers from Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and The Long Dark have established a new indie publisher called Studio Reset.
Former BioWare, Inflexion Games, and Timbre Games developers launch Studio Reset
Studio Reset, a new Canadian indie studio founded by former developers from BioWare, Inflexion Games, and Timbre Games, has officially launched. The studio is working on a neon-noir supernatural mystery title and aims for a sustainable, lean operating model. Key founding members include Kaelin Lavallée, Kris Schoneberg, and Francis Lacuna, who have experience with major franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
Star Wars: The Old Republic lead told BioWare bosses "I hate massive multiplayer games" before agreeing to run the MMO and becoming a "highly paid, completely useless person"
James Ohlen, a lead developer at BioWare, revealed he disliked massively multiplayer online games but was tasked with directing Star Wars: The Old Republic. He previously worked on other BioWare titles like Baldur's Gate and Mass Effect.
Star Wars: The Old Republic's original director hadn't played a single MMO before launching its development studio: 'How the hell did they trust me with this much money?'
James Ohlen, the original director of BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic, revealed he had no prior MMO experience when development began. He discussed regrets about the game's launch content and a denied proposal to rename it Star Wars: The New Republic.
'It nearly killed me': Why studio head James Ohlen left sci-fi RPG Exodus mid-development—and why EA crushing his Star Wars: The Old Republic reboot was the 'beginning of the end' at BioWare
James Ohlen, a veteran designer behind Baldur's Gate 2 and Knights of the Old Republic, discusses his departure from Archetype Entertainment's RPG Exodus, citing the immense pressure of studio leadership. He also reflects on his time at BioWare, detailing how EA's rejection of his Star Wars: The New Republic reboot plan marked the 'beginning of the end' for his career there.
10 Best Fantasy RPGs to play in 2026
This list highlights ten of the best fantasy RPGs available across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, catering to various playstyles from story-driven epics to challenging combat experiences. It includes a mix of new releases and enduring classics, with a focus on games that deeply integrate fantasy elements into their gameplay and world.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic Team Continues to Bring on Former KOTOR, Mass Effect Devs
Arcanaut Studios is assembling a development team for Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, heavily featuring former BioWare developers who worked on Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect. Director Casey Hudson stated the game will honor the legacy of Knights of the Old Republic with a new story and modern technology, though it will not carry over established lore due to Disney's IP acquisition. While no release date or platforms have been officially announced, it is expected before 2030 and likely for PC and current-generation consoles.
Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic attracts more ex-BioWare and KOTOR talent to the team
Arcanaut Studios, a new developer founded by Casey Hudson, is assembling a team with significant BioWare and Knights of the Old Republic experience for its upcoming Star Wars RPG, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic. Recent hires include art director Pascal Blanché, CTO Ryan Hoyle, and director Caroline Livingstone, all of whom have worked on previous Star Wars or Mass Effect titles. While the game is not expected before 2030, the studio continues to grow its talent pool.
Star Wars Fate Of The Old Republic devs are mostly ex-BioWare and KOTOR veterans
Arcanaut Studios has revealed more about its upcoming Star Wars: Fate Of The Old Republic, a spiritual successor to Knights Of The Old Republic. The development team is largely comprised of former BioWare veterans who worked on the original KOTOR and other acclaimed RPGs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. Director Casey Hudson founded Arcanaut Studios last year, and the game is expected to release before 2030.
