Dragon Age
News, coverage and analysis tracking Dragon Age across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Mass Effect Universe trailer leaks and it makes BioWare's closure more painful
A trailer for BioWare's cancelled Mass Effect game, reportedly titled Mass Effect Universe, has leaked online, intensifying anger over EA's decision to close the studio. The footage features a new protagonist and returning character Liara T’Soni, set after the original trilogy. Industry journalist Jason Schreier confirmed the trailer's authenticity, highlighting the loss of potential new entries in the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises.
BioWare Is Finished – Where Did It All Go Wrong?
BioWare, a historically influential role-playing game studio, has officially closed down, with Electronic Arts restructuring the studio and laying off developers. The article reflects on the studio's past successes like Baldur's Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, while also acknowledging its recent failures with Anthem and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, attributing the decline to unsustainable development practices and EA's alleged mismanagement.
BioWare veteran goes to bat for Dragon Age The Veilguard's dev team, says most of them "had little or no say…
Former BioWare director James Ohlen has defended the development team behind Dragon Age: The Veilguard, stating that most had little input on the game's controversial elements. He also addressed criticism of modern entertainment and political messaging, emphasizing the complexity of individuals and the importance of respecting differing views.
BioWare Did Something Very Rare For The Time: It Took Star Wars Seriously
This article analyzes BioWare's significant contribution to the Star Wars universe, particularly through the critically acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. It highlights how BioWare's deep understanding of the franchise allowed for rich worldbuilding and a compelling narrative, influencing subsequent Star Wars media and RPGs, despite the recent closure of BioWare and cancellation of its new Mass Effect project.
'No other studio in the world did it better' than BioWare at its peak, says former Dragon Age lead writer…
Former BioWare lead writer David Gaider expressed sadness over the studio's closure, reflecting on its peak as an unparalleled institution in game development. He shared fond memories of the positive fan reception to Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, which solidified his career choice. The article notes that while the closure was predictable given industry trends, it represents a significant loss for RPG development.
EA Could Sell BioWare’s IP As It Looks To Tackle Its Massive Debt, Former Studio Boss Says
Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah suggested that Electronic Arts might sell off BioWare's intellectual property, including Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Jade Empire, to help manage its $55 billion debt. This comes after EA announced the closure of BioWare and significant layoffs, leaving the future of these beloved franchises uncertain.
Farewell BioWare, you inspired so many of us, and you deserved so much better than this
BioWare, the acclaimed developer behind Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Baldur's Gate, has been closed by Electronic Arts. The studio's closure follows a history of critical and commercial disappointments like Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, despite its significant contributions to the RPG genre. The article laments the loss of a studio that shaped industry trends and created deeply emotional experiences for players.
Ex-BioWare boss and Mass Effect director Casey Hudson says he'll 'forever be grateful' for his time at the studio: 'Its legacy will live on'
EA has announced the closure of BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, alongside layoffs affecting around 400 employees. Former BioWare director Casey Hudson expressed sadness but gratitude for the studio's legacy, highlighting its impact on unforgettable stories and characters. Other industry figures like Warren Spector reacted negatively to the closure.
EA says it's 'bringing together our Respawn and DICE studios to collaborate on a future project' that is…
Electronic Arts is consolidating its Respawn Entertainment and DICE studios to collaborate on a future project, widely reported to be Star Wars Battlefront 3. This move comes as EA restructures, shutting down BioWare and laying off 400 employees, including canceling work on Mass Effect 5. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to live-service titles like Apex Legends and upcoming games such as Marvel's Iron Man and Star Wars Jedi 3.
Game dev plans affected by Electronic Arts firings take clearer shape as fans and devs mourn BioWare’s end
Electronic Arts has laid off hundreds of employees and shut down the legendary BioWare studio, impacting various game development projects including The Sims and Star Wars titles. The decision has drawn strong criticism from former employees and industry figures, with many lamenting the loss of BioWare's legacy in RPGs like Dragon Age and Mass Effect.
'What we were cooking was really cool': An award-winning science fiction author was working on Mass Effect…
BioWare is reportedly being shut down by EA, leading to the cancellation of Mass Effect 5. Science fiction author Derek Künsken, who worked as a writer on the project, expressed disappointment over the unreleased work and the closure of the studio, praising the talent within BioWare. The article reflects on BioWare's legacy and EA's management.
Games industry mourns sudden BioWare closure - "Anyone who participated in this travesty should be ashamed"
The gaming industry is mourning the sudden closure of BioWare, a legendary RPG developer, with many former employees and industry peers sharing their sadness and reflecting on the studio's legacy. The closure, which follows significant layoffs across Electronic Arts studios including Respawn and Maxis, has drawn criticism towards EA and those involved in the decision, with many expressing anger that talented developers are left jobless.
Baldur's Gate 3 boss says BioWare "led the way in making RPGs big," and that the OG dev of the D&D series shutting down is a "loss for all of us"
Larian Studios boss Swen Vincke expressed deep disappointment and sadness over the shutdown of BioWare, the original developer of the Baldur's Gate series. Vincke acknowledged BioWare's significant role in popularizing RPGs and called the studio's closure a substantial loss for the entire industry, thanking them for their contributions to gaming.
The Daily Grind: What’s your reaction to yesterday’s BioWare news?
The article discusses the news of BioWare's closure, noting the emotional impact on the staff and the significance of their past titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. It prompts readers to share their own reactions, memories, and whether the news was expected or surprising.
Star Wars: The Old Republic lead writer calls out BioWare for snubbing the MMO
Star Wars: The Old Republic lead writer Caitlin Sullivan Kelly expressed disappointment that BioWare's announcement of its closure did not mention the long-running MMO. While BioWare did not include SWTOR in its list of notable franchises, the article argues it was not a snub, as SWTOR is now a Broadsword game and the list focused on franchises rather than individual titles.
BG3's Swen Vincke's response to BioWare's closure breaks my heart. "BioWare won't show up anymore when discussing upcoming RPGs."
Electronic Arts has confirmed the closure of BioWare, the acclaimed studio behind Dragon Age and Mass Effect, resulting in approximately 400 layoffs. This decision, attributed partly to the commercial performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, has been met with widespread shock and sadness across the industry, with figures like Larian CEO Swen Vincke expressing deep regret over the loss of a pioneering RPG developer.
"Development on the next Mass Effect is ending": EA is shutting down RPG veteran Bioware "to align talent and investments where we see the greatest opportunities for players and long-term growth"
Bioware, the veteran RPG studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, is shutting down after over 30 years, with development on the next Mass Effect project also ending. Electronic Arts cited a need to align talent and investments for long-term growth, leading to 400 layoffs across EA, including 50 at Bioware. This closure follows concerns about the high cost and long production times of Bioware's large-scale games and comes after EA's recent leveraged buyout.
Games Inbox: What is BioWare’s best game?
Readers express concern over the future of BioWare, with many citing EA's management as a detrimental factor. Mass Effect 2 is highlighted as a past peak for the studio, while other readers discuss the aging mechanics of The Witcher 3 Remastered and the uncertain future of console gaming.
BioWare is Shutting Down, Ending Development on Next Mass Effect
Electronic Arts has officially confirmed the closure of BioWare, with early development on the next Mass Effect game ceasing. The studio, known for its influential RPGs, has faced a string of underperforming titles including Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, and a mixed reception for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Despite its legacy, the future of its IPs like Mass Effect and Dragon Age remains uncertain.
BioWare shut down and new Mass Effect cancelled two months after EA sale
Legendary RPG developer BioWare is closing down, and early development on the next Mass Effect project has been cancelled, following Electronic Arts' sale to private investors. The closure results in approximately 50 layoffs at BioWare and 400 across EA, attributed to the significant debt incurred from the acquisition. This move marks the end of an era for a studio known for narrative-driven titles like Baldur's Gate and Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic.
