BioWare’s “Soft” Dragon Age Trilogy Remaster Pitch: A Missed Opportunity for EA?

The vibrant world of Dragon Age, a franchise celebrated for its rich lore, compelling characters, and impactful player choices, has recently been the subject of much discussion amongst its dedicated fanbase. Following the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard last October, which, despite a generally positive reception from players, reportedly fell short of Electronic Arts’ (EA) sales expectations by a significant margin – achieving approximately 1.5 million players instead of the anticipated 3 million – speculation about the future of this beloved RPG series has been rampant. With BioWare currently focused on the development of the next installment in the Mass Effect saga, the question of what lies ahead for Dragon Age has become even more pertinent.

In a recent and illuminating interview with MrMattyPlays on YouTube, as further detailed by IGN, Mark Darrah, a former producer for the Dragon Age series and a respected BioWare executive who departed the company in 2020 but provided consultation on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, shed light on a past initiative that could have potentially reshaped the franchise’s current landscape. Darrah revealed that BioWare had, at one point, “softly pitched” the idea of a Dragon Age trilogy remaster. This proposition, aimed at revitalizing the foundational experiences of the series for a new generation of players and reintroducing them to long-time fans, ultimately did not come to fruition, a fact that has sparked considerable debate within the gaming community.

Darrah’s sentiments regarding the potential for a remaster were clear and forthright. He expressed a personal belief that such a project would be immensely beneficial for the Dragon Age brand, stating, “I honestly think they should do – I don’t think they will, but they should do – a remaster of the first three [Dragon Age games].” He elaborated on a specific concept that was explored internally, describing it as a way to unify the early entries under a cohesive banner. “One of the things we pitched at one point – pretty softly, so pitched is a massive overstatement – was to retroactively rebrand the first games as if they were a trilogy, call it the Champions Trilogy, so you have these larger-than-life heroes… maybe you do that as a first step.” This vision suggests a desire to not only update the technical aspects of the games but also to enhance their narrative presentation, framing the initial adventures as a singular, epic saga centered around heroic figures.

The notion of a Dragon Age trilogy remaster, which would encompass the critically acclaimed Dragon Age: Origins (2009), the action-oriented Dragon Age II (2011), and the expansive Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014), represents a significant undertaking. These titles, each with their unique strengths and development histories, form the bedrock of the Dragon Age universe. Dragon Age: Origins, in particular, is often lauded for its deep role-playing mechanics, intricate storytelling, and the profound impact of player decisions. Dragon Age II, while divisive for its more streamlined approach and repeated environments, introduced memorable characters and continued to build upon the established lore. Dragon Age: Inquisition then broadened the scope considerably, offering a vast open world and a compelling narrative that tied together many of the threads from its predecessors.

The question naturally arises: why did this promising initiative to remaster the Dragon Age trilogy never gain traction? According to Mark Darrah, the primary obstacle was EA’s long-standing aversion to remaster projects. Darrah candidly shared his perspective on this matter, stating, “EA’s historically been – and I don’t know why, but they’ve even said this publicly – they’re kind of against remasters.” He further elaborated on the perceived paradox of this stance, noting, “I don’t really know why, and it’s strange for a publicly traded company to seemingly be against free money, but they seem to be against it. So that’s part of it.” This statement highlights a potential disconnect between what many fans and industry veterans see as a clear market opportunity and EA’s strategic priorities. In an era where re-releases and remasters of beloved older titles have proven to be highly successful, EA’s historical reluctance is indeed a curious point of contention.

Darrah also touched upon the complexities involved in undertaking such a project, contrasting it with the successful Mass Effect Legendary Edition. He posited that a Dragon Age trilogy remaster presents unique challenges due to the series’ “storied development history and the engines used to create the games.” Dragon Age: Origins was built on the Eclipse Engine, while Dragon Age II utilized the heavily modified Frostbite 2 engine, and Dragon Age: Inquisition was developed on Frostbite 3. The transition and potential modernization of these disparate technological foundations would undoubtedly require substantial investment and expertise. However, the success of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which successfully remastered three distinct games built on different iterations of the Unreal Engine, demonstrates that such technical hurdles can be overcome with dedicated effort and the right approach. The Mass Effect Legendary Edition not only updated the visuals and gameplay mechanics of the original trilogy but also unified them under a single, accessible package, allowing a new generation of players to experience Commander Shepard’s epic journey with modern conveniences.

The implication of Darrah’s comments is that a Dragon Age trilogy remaster could have served as a crucial stepping stone, not only for reigniting interest in the franchise but also for bridging the gap between the older games and the future of Dragon Age. A modernized collection would allow players who may have missed these earlier adventures to catch up on the deep lore, understand the intricate political landscape of Thedas, and appreciate the evolution of the BioWare storytelling formula. It could also have provided a tangible project for BioWare to showcase their renewed commitment to the Dragon Age IP, potentially boosting player confidence and enthusiasm for future installments.

The demand for such a remaster has been vocal within the Dragon Age community for years. Fans have frequently expressed their desire to see titles like Dragon Age: Origins receive graphical updates and quality-of-life improvements to make them more accessible on modern hardware. The original game, in particular, has several aspects that could benefit from modernization, such as improved character models, updated animations, and enhanced user interface elements. Similarly, Dragon Age II, despite its criticisms, also has a dedicated following who would appreciate a polished version of its unique art style and fast-paced combat.

The concept of the “Champions Trilogy” as a rebranding strategy is particularly insightful. It speaks to the core appeal of Dragon Age: the creation of heroic characters who shape the fate of the world. By framing the initial games as a unified narrative arc centered on these “larger-than-life heroes,” BioWare could have tapped into a powerful emotional connection with players, reinforcing the legacy and impact of their choices within the game world. This approach could have mirrored the successful branding strategies employed by other franchises that have revitalized their older titles.

The missed opportunity here lies not just in the potential revenue that a remaster could have generated, but also in the chance to solidify the Dragon Age brand’s historical significance. In a landscape crowded with new releases, a well-executed remaster can serve as a powerful reminder of a franchise’s enduring appeal and its contributions to the RPG genre. It allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the series’ evolution, providing context and depth for newcomers and offering a nostalgic yet refined experience for veterans.

Considering EA’s public statements regarding their general stance against remasters, it raises questions about their long-term vision for the Dragon Age franchise. While Dragon Age: The Veilguard represents the current focus, the legacy of the earlier games remains a vital component of the series’ identity. Failing to capitalize on the opportunity to reintroduce these foundational titles to a broader audience could be seen as a missed opportunity to nurture and expand the Dragon Age fanbase.

The comparison with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is particularly pertinent. That project was a resounding success, both critically and commercially, demonstrating that players are eager to revisit and experience beloved older games with modern enhancements. The Legendary Edition was not just a graphical overhaul; it was a thoughtful curation of the original trilogy, including all major DLC, and a refinement of gameplay mechanics that addressed some of the criticisms leveled at the original releases. This comprehensive approach set a high bar for what a successful remaster collection can achieve.

The challenges in remastering Dragon Age, as mentioned by Darrah, are not insurmountable. Modern game development tools and techniques, combined with a dedicated team, can address issues related to aging technology. For instance, techniques like AI-powered upscaling, advanced rendering pipelines, and meticulous asset reconstruction can breathe new life into older games. The success of fan-made patches and mods for Dragon Age: Origins that have significantly improved its visuals and gameplay further underscore the potential for a professional remaster.

The decision to prioritize other projects over a Dragon Age trilogy remaster, especially in light of the current industry trend and fan demand, warrants careful consideration. While BioWare’s current focus on the next Mass Effect game is understandable, neglecting the opportunity to leverage and celebrate the existing Dragon Age legacy could have long-term implications for the franchise’s overall health and appeal.

Ultimately, Mark Darrah’s revelation provides a valuable glimpse into the internal discussions and strategic considerations that shape the future of major gaming franchises. The “soft pitch” for a Dragon Age trilogy remaster, though not pursued, highlights a potential divergence between BioWare’s creative aspirations and EA’s business strategies. It leaves many fans wondering what could have been, and whether a future opportunity will arise to finally bring the first three Dragon Age games together in a definitive, remastered collection. The desire for such a project remains strong, and its realization could serve as a powerful catalyst for the Dragon Age series’ continued success and evolution. The current landscape of the gaming industry is replete with examples of how investing in and modernizing established IPs can yield significant rewards, both in terms of financial return and player engagement. The Dragon Age trilogy, with its rich history and passionate fanbase, presents a prime candidate for such an investment.