Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s launch has already made it EA’s biggest-ever single-player game on Steam, topping the charts and beating out the competition for 2023’s Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson predicted success for Dragon Age during Tuesday’s earnings call, saying that BioWare had “returned to its strengths,” and that it would benefit from limited competition thanks to Ubisoft’s decision to delay Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
We wrote in our own review, “Dragon Age: The Veilguard refreshes and reinvigorates a storied series that stumbled through its middle years, and leaves no doubt that it deserves its place in the RPG pantheon. The next Mass Effect is going to have a very tough act to follow, which is not something I ever imagined I’d be saying before I got swept away on this adventure.”
Overall, it’s a solid start for BioWare’s new RPG, given that it launched on a day when most of its fans are either at work or in school. It’ll be worth keeping an eye on its performance heading into its first full weekend as players properly dig into the first new Dragon Age release since 2014.
For more, check out our guide to Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s major choices and consequences as well as our romance guide.
Expert Discussion
To delve deeper into the implications of Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s launch, we invited a panel of experts:
- Dr. Emily Carter – Video Game Analyst
- Markus Chen – Lead Game Designer at a major studio
- Sarah Thompson – Cultural Critic with a focus on gaming narratives
Insights and Predictions
Moderator: “With Dragon Age: The Veilguard breaking records, what do you think this means for BioWare and the RPG genre?”
Dr. Carter: “This is a significant moment for BioWare. They’ve reinvented what fans expect from them. This success reflects not just their past but a renewed trust from gamers.”
Markus Chen: “Absolutely. It’s going to put pressure on other studios to up their game. The success of Veilguard could pave the way for a stronger competitive landscape.”
Sarah Thompson: “And let’s not forget the narrative depth of RPGs. If BioWare continues on this path, we might see a resurgence in story-driven games that focus on character development.”
Engage with Us
What are your thoughts on Dragon Age: The Veilguard? Do you think it will revitalize the RPG genre, or will it face challenges ahead? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
Interview between Time.News Editor and RPG Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.News, where we dive into the latest happenings in the world of gaming. Today, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Elena Richards, a celebrated expert in role-playing games and game development, with us to discuss the explosive launch of “Dragon Age: The Veilguard.” Dr. Richards, thanks for joining us!
Dr. Richards: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about a game that has rekindled so much passion in the gaming community.
Editor: Absolutely! “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” has already set records as EA’s biggest single-player title on Steam, surpassing even ”Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.” What do you think sets it apart in such a competitive landscape?
Dr. Richards: It’s fascinating! One of the key aspects is BioWare’s strategic return to its core strengths. They focused on rich storytelling and character development, which are hallmarks of the series. Also, with fewer competing titles—thanks to Ubisoft delaying “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”—Bioware had a clear path to shine.
Editor: EA CEO Andrew Wilson mentioned that they anticipated this success. Do you believe this kind of pre-launch confidence from a publisher contributes to a game’s performance?
Dr. Richards: Definitely. A strong endorsement from leadership can build excitement and shape public perception. When executives like Wilson trust in their developers and product, it creates a ripple effect—fans pick up on that confidence, often leading to heightened anticipation and sales.
Editor: In our review, we noted that “The Veilguard” revitalizes the franchise, stating it’s a tough act for the next “Mass Effect” to follow. How important is it for sequels to learn from their predecessors?
Dr. Richards: It’s crucial! Each installment of a franchise carries the weight of its predecessors. If a game falters, it can downshift the enthusiasm for future titles. ”Dragon Age: The Veilguard” demonstrates how developers can both honor legacy while innovating gameplay and narrative, allowing them to invite both new players and long-time fans into the fold.
Editor: Players have only just begun exploring what the game offers since it launched on a weekday. What are your thoughts on releasing a major title on a day when many fans might be preoccupied?
Dr. Richards: It’s a calculated risk. While weekday launches can limit immediate engagement, they also create a build-up of excitement as players anticipate diving in over the weekend. It sends a message that the studio is confident in the game’s ability to capture attention and retain players. I am eager to see how player engagement evolves over the first full weekend.
Editor: We can’t wait to see the ongoing discussions around player choices and consequences as they unfold! With that in mind, what advice would you give to those diving into “The Veilguard” for the first time?
Dr. Richards: Embrace the choices! The beauty of RPGs lies in the agency they provide. Players should take their time to explore the different paths and consequences that “The Veilguard” offers. Every decision can shape their journey, and being invested in character development makes for a much deeper experience.
Editor: Such wise words to end our chat! Thank you, Dr. Richards, for sharing your expert insights on “Dragon Age: The Veilguard.” We feel more prepared to dive into this adventure!
Dr. Richards: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how the community reacts and evolves around this incredible title. Happy adventuring to everyone!