News: Overhaul Games head and ex-BioWare designer Trent Oster has spoken less than favourably about the venerable RPG studio’s earliest effort, Battleground Infinity.
The latest game in BioWare’s fantasy role-playing series went through ten years of development turmoil
In early November, on the eve of the crucial holiday shopping season, staffers at the video-game studio BioWare were feeling optimistic. After an excruciating development cycle, they had finally released their latest game, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and the early reception was largely positive. The role-playing game was topping sales charts on Steam, and solid, if not spectacular, reviews were rolling in.
Its easy they called the die hard fans people in their nerd caves who will buy anything and then went woke to reach modern audiences....insulting the nerds in their caves along the way showing utter contempt for their fan base. very hapy it failed and any company who insults their fan base and treat their customers with contempt and insults, in future, i also hope fail.
It’s disappointing but not surprising to see what's happening with Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the broader situation at BioWare. The layoffs are tragic — no one wants to see talented developers lose their jobs. But when studios repeatedly create games that alienate their own fanbase, outcomes like this become unfortunately predictable.
There’s a pattern we’re seeing far too often: beloved franchises are revived, only to be reshaped into something almost unrecognizable. Changes are made that no one asked for, often at the expense of what originally made these games special. Then, when long-time fans express concern or lose interest, they’re told, “This game might not be for you.” But when those same fans heed that advice and don’t buy the game, suddenly they're labeled as toxic, sexist, bigoted, or worse.
Let’s be clear: the overwhelming majority of gamers have no issue with diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, or strong female leads. In fact, some of the most iconic characters in gaming — like Aloy, Ellie, or FemShep — are proof that inclusivity and excellent storytelling can and do go hand in hand. The issue arises when diversity feels performative, forced, or disconnected from the narrative — when characters or themes are inserted not to serve the story, but to satisfy a corporate DEI checklist. Audiences can tell the difference.
When studios chase approval from a vocal minority that often doesn’t even buy games — while simultaneously dismissing loyal fans who actually do — they risk not just the success of individual titles, but the health of their entire studio. Telling your core customers “don’t buy it if you don’t like it” is not a viable business strategy. Because guess what? Many of us won’t. And when the game fails commercially, blaming those very fans for not supporting it is both unfair and self-defeating.
Gamers aren’t asking for less diversity or less progress. We’re asking for better writing, thoughtful character development, and a respect for the franchises we’ve supported for decades. When you give people great games that speak to them — whether they’re old fans or new players — they will show up. But if you keep making games for people who don’t play them, don’t be surprised when those who do stop showing up
I thought the writing and character development were fine. Sometimes things just dont resonate with people.
The Enhanced Editions of Baldurs Gate 1 & 2 have just shadow dropped into Xbox Game Pass days before the Xbox Showcase
They could add a still image of cartoon poop as a game and you'd still say it was an excellent addition and xbox/gamepass owners are eating good.
But yes, this is indeed a good addition. Perhaps Icewind Dale & Planescape Torment will soon follow, unless it's already on there.
They came out last gen and have been on sale for very cheap many times.
These games are ancient. There is no shadow dropping. They released an couple of ancient games on a platform. This is the same with every other ancient game that gets released on every other platform. Title: "Now You can play BG I & II on Xbox."
I am beginning to wonder if either of you know what the term "shadow dropping" means.
BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk reveals his unrealized dream of transforming EA from within, with hopes pinned on SWTOR’s success.
for us gamers
Dragon Age 4: A Dream Unrealized
SWTOR was a great game on a bad engine.
Agreed, SWTOR still has some of the best dialogue from any Star Wars work. I think we all miss this old Bioware the most.
Dragon age 2/
Mass Effect 2 also made me want to poke myself in the eye with a fork... and the ending of ME3 :)
Wont be buying anymore of their games, they have been assimilated into the EA empire meaning their game development is purely about making money and ripping people off.
"Assuming direct control, we are your salvation though online passes and overpriced DLC"
http://zapp5.staticworld.ne...
Bioware really let me down this gen, all 3 mass effect games put together dont even come close to being as good as knights of the old republic