\”The gap between installments in triple-A game franchises has been growing longer and longer, with Dragon Age being a prime example. After nearly a decade since Dragon Age: Inquisition, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard on October 31. Having had the opportunity to play Veilguard at a recent event, I can confidently say that it feels well-crafted and promises to be the best version of itself. In addition to playing the game, io9 had the chance to engage in a roundtable discussion with key BioWare staff, including game director Corinne Buche and producer Jen Cheverie. Spoiler-free questions touched on the continuation of storylines from Inquisition, the relationship between Dragon Age and Mass Effect, and other intriguing topics.
The decision to introduce a new hero, Rook, in Veilguard was a deliberate choice to allow players to personalize their experience and connect with the characters and world of Thedas on a deeper level. Companions and characters like Neve and Lucanis from EU material were brought into the game to explore new locations and factions in Tevinter. Returning characters like Scout Harding were included based on player feedback and the desire to delve deeper into their stories.
To bridge the gap between Inquisition and Veilguard, BioWare has released EU content to keep fans engaged and provide background for new players. Veilguard serves as a great entry point for newcomers by introducing core concepts and mysteries, while also offering resolution to longstanding theories for lore enthusiasts. The game will feature characters from other media like comics and books, adding new dimensions to the Dragon Age universe.
The integration of gameplay elements from Mass Effect in Veilguard was a deliberate choice to enhance the storytelling experience and pay homage to past successes in the Dragon Age series. The development team carefully considered how to blend familiar features from previous games while still creating a unique and immersive experience in Thedas. Collaboration and feedback from long-time BioWare team members ensured that Veilguard stayed true to the essence of a Dragon Age game while pushing the franchise forward into new territory.