After nearly ten years in the making, BioWare finally launched Dragon Age: The Veilguard last year, marking a significant moment for fans of the storied franchise. This latest entry quickly became one of the most talked-about releases of 2024, though not always for the best reasons. With previous setbacks from titles like Anthem and Mass Effect: Andromeda, there was hope that BioWare would make a grand return to RPG greatness with this installment. Reviews from critics were notably kinder than for their recent attempts; however, the narrative among players painted a different picture.
Currently sitting at a 69% Mixed user score on Steam, Dragon Age: The Veilguard hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations set by earlier series entries. To add to the concern, EA reported sales figures of about 1.5 million copies, which fell 50% short of their forecasts. Criticism has been widespread, ranging from restricted player choices to lackluster writing quality. A particularly glaring issue is its inaccessibility for newcomers, a hurdle that competitors like Avowed and The Elder Scrolls 6 seem to have managed better.
Interestingly, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Avowed, and The Elder Scrolls 6 share a common thread—they are revitalizations of previously dormant franchises. Dragon Age: The Veilguard arrived roughly ten years after Dragon Age: Inquisition. Similarly, Avowed emerged about seven years post-Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire, and while The Elder Scrolls 6 is yet to release, it continues a saga that began over 14 years ago with Skyrim.
While new entries in well-loved series excite fans, there’s often a challenge: they can alienate newcomers due to their narrative complexity. Avowed and the anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6 have tackled this by crafting self-contained stories. Avowed exists within the Pillars of Eternity universe but stands on its own, with an in-game glossary to help players unfamiliar with its lore. It’s likely The Elder Scrolls 6 will follow suit with an entirely new storyline, as has been the tradition with its predecessors.
Unfortunately for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, its deep ties to previous installments, especially Dragon Age: Inquisition, turned out to be a double-edged sword. While it follows directly from its predecessor, the absence of a glossary like Avowed’s meant that new players felt left out, which likely influenced its overall performance and reception.
Immersing players in the world of Thedas, Dragon Age: The Veilguard invites them to become Rook, a new hero, tasked with thwarting the plans of ancient gods intent on destruction. Supported by a diverse team of seven companions, each with their unique stories, players are challenged to lead and shape The Veilguard in this high-stakes adventure. Renowned publisher Electronic Arts backed the game, which released on October 31, 2024, rated M for its mature content, ensuring it’s crafted to resonate with its dedicated audience.
