Former BioWare developers have criticized EA's assessment of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf's underperformance and subsequent restructuring of BioWare. EA CEO Andrew Wilson attributed the game's failure to a lack of broad appeal, suggesting the need for "shared-world features and deeper engagement" alongside strong narratives to expand beyond the core fanbase. This statement implied that a live-service model, or at least stronger multiplayer elements, would have improved sales.
However, this interpretation clashes with the game's development history. IGN previously reported on significant development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel, and a late pivot away from a planned multiplayer component. According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, BioWare staff viewed the game's completion as a miracle given the late shift to a single-player focus after initial live-service mandates from EA.
This narrative prompted responses from former BioWare figures. David Gaider, former narrative lead on Dragon Age, criticized EA's conclusion that a live-service model was the missing piece, arguing that this was a short-sighted and self-serving analysis. He suggested that EA should instead emulate Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3, focusing on the core strengths of the Dragon Age franchise that previously drove strong sales.
Mike Laidlaw, a former creative director on Dragon Age, expressed even stronger dissent, stating he would resign if pressured to fundamentally alter a successful single-player IP into a purely multiplayer experience. He highlighted the inherent conflict between the core appeal of the franchise and a forced shift to a multiplayer-centric design.
The outcome of these events appears to be the effective cancellation of future Dragon Age projects, with BioWare now fully committed to Mass Effect 5. EA's CFO, Stuart Canfield, acknowledged the changing industry landscape and the financial underperformance of Dreadwolf as reasons for the restructuring, which involved significant staff reductions at BioWare. The statement emphasized a reallocation of resources towards EA's most promising opportunities.
