WhileBioWarehas released a great number of games, its two most famous franchises areDragon AgeandMass Effect. Fans are always excited to hear news about the latest titles for either RPG series, and they’ll likely be hearing a lot Age: Dreadwolfsoon given BioWare is currently prioritizing that title. News about the fantasy RPG seems even more likely after it was reported thatDragon Age: Dreadwolfwas playable from start to finish. While these are great developments, BioWare has done a good job of holding back expectations.
BioWarelikely has high ambitions for the games it is creating. However, rather than forcing hype through consistent promises, BioWare is instead taking a more transparent approach, being honest with fans regarding its progress on the latestDragon AgeandMass Effectgames. Considering how some studios will set incredibly high expectations, it is refreshing to see BioWare’s transparency in action.
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The Lack of Transparency in Gaming
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on a lack of transparency from some major developers and publishers. It can appear as though a game is nearing the end of its development, then a month or so before launch there is a sudden delay. While most would rather have a completed game later down the line than an unfinished one now, there appears to be a general lack of information about how an upcoming release’s development is progressing, which has seen major titles likeWarhammer 40:000: Darktide,Redfall, andStarfieldall being delayedthis year.
Considering the scale and ambition of AAA titles, as well as the aforementioned pandemic, it is understandable that sometimes release dates aren’t firm promises. However, this can lead to fans feeling as though they’re in the dark about their favorite upcoming game. This can create confusion, as for example this year a lot of fans were worried whetherGod of War: Ragnarokwould see another delayin the months prior to launch.
There are outliers from this pattern, and by no means is every game delayed. Some, likeXenobladeChronicles 3andGotham Knights,have managed to even push their releases forward. Overall though, a lot of fans would appreciate more transparency from their favorite developers. Luckily for those fond ofMass EffectandDragon Age, BioWare has been a lot more open about these franchises of late.
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How BioWare’s Approach with Mass Effect and Dragon Age Differs
Following thefailure ofAnthem, a lot of eyes are on BioWare to see whether it can make a return to glory. It seems the studio is completely abandoning multiplayer in its nextDragon AgeandMass Effectgames, which is likely due to the mistakes it made withAnthem. BioWare has also changed the way it divulges information to its fans, opting for a more transparent approach that doesn’t promise much.
This doesn’t mean that BioWare isn’t able to generate hype for the nextMass EffectandDragon Age: Dreadwolf. These franchises are so beloved that even without consistent cinematic trailers or early gameplay footage, there is a lot of anticipation built through regular small teases. In terms ofDragon Age: Dreadwolfspecifically, there was the aforementioned announcement that it is playable from start to finish in an alpha stage. In community posts, BioWare has also revealedplenty of details onDragon Age: Dreadwolf, speaking directly to fans about its upcoming RPG.
Though these teases that have built hype, BioWare has ensured that expectations don’t get too high. Even with thealpha announcement forDragon Age: Dreadwolf, BioWare didn’t make any promises regarding a release date. This ensures that BioWare doesn’t have to rush its process of makingDragon Age: Dreadwolf, and the same goes for its nextMass Effectgame. BioWare keeps the pressure off itself when previously short deadlines had led to disappointments likeMass Effect: AndromedaandAnthem.
Game developers being held on a pedestal can only lead to further disappointment. However, BioWare’s transparency with the upcomingDragon AgeandMass Effectgamesshould be praised, as it has allowed work to be done on both games without the pressure of a launch date or excessive mechanics. It would be refreshing to see more studios tease out their games in this sense, giving details only when they become available rather than making a grand show of a cinematic trailer that may or may not meet its expectations and launch window.
