David Gaider, a veteran of the Dragon Age series, has expressed concern about EA's direction for the franchise following the underperformance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. In response to EA's suggestion that a live-service model could improve sales, Gaider advocates for a focus on strong single-player experiences, drawing inspiration from the success of Baldur's Gate 3. He argues that the audience for Dragon Age remains eager for narrative-driven gameplay, rather than repetitive, monetization-heavy models. Gaider emphasizes that the essence of what made Dragon Age successful should be prioritized, rather than pursuing trends that do not resonate with the loyal fanbase.
What does David Gaider recommend for the future of Dragon Age?Gaider recommends that EA take a page from Baldur's Gate 3, focusing on delivering robust single-player experiences that prioritize storytelling and character development over live-service models.
Baldur's Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, has set a high standard for single-player RPGs, showcasing the potential for deep narrative experiences without the need for live-service elements. Its success highlights a growing demand for games that prioritize storytelling and player choice, contrasting sharply with the sentiment behind some of EA's current strategies for their franchises.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Comments
It’s wild how Baldur’s Gate 3 has become the gold standard for RPGs, proving that players are still all-in for immersive, story-driven experiences. Gaider’s call to focus on what made Dragon Age special feels like a no-brainer—sometimes the best way forward is to just stick to what works instead of chasing every shiny trend.
It’s refreshing to see a veteran like Gaider push back against the live-service trend, especially when the success of Baldur’s Gate 3 proves that players still crave rich, single-player RPGs. Hopefully, EA listens and remembers that Dragon Age’s heart lies in its storytelling, not in chasing fleeting monetization trends.