Dragon Age: The Veilguard Returns This Halloween with a New Threat
After over a decade of anticipation, BioWare has finally unveiled the release date for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the highly anticipated sequel to Dragon Age: Inquisition, setting the stage for a return to the captivating world of Thedas on 31 October.
The announcement coincides with a new trailer that promises to delve deeper into the game's lore, presenting a new and intriguing antagonist. Fans had previously speculated that Solas, a rogue companion from Inquisition, would be the primary villain. However, the trailer hints at a greater threat: the Elven gods themselves, suggesting that Solas may be merely a pawn in a far larger game.
The development journey for The Veilguard has been turbulent. Initially announced in 2018, the project saw limited updates until 2022, a period marked by significant personnel changes at BioWare. Notable departures included General Manager Casey Hudson, Executive Producer Mark Darrah, Production Director Mac Walters, and Senior Creative Producer Matt Goldman, along with numerous other layoffs affecting both veterans and newer employees.
Further complicating matters were evolving trends within the gaming industry. Following the commercial and critical disappointment of Anthem, BioWare's MMO-style action RPG, EA, the parent company, decided to scrap the planned multiplayer elements of The Veilguard, shifting focus towards a more single-player experience in line with the success of titles like Jedi: Fallen Order.
Despite the challenges faced by the development team, The Veilguard arrives at a time when single-player narrative games are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. With the phenomenal success of Baldur's Gate 3 in 2023, comparisons between the two titles are inevitable. The trailer, however, suggests that The Veilguard has the potential to deliver a compelling and unique experience, offering a fresh take on the classic Dragon Age universe.
Preorders for The Veilguard are now open, with the game priced at £49.99 on PC and £59.99 on Xbox and PlayStation. While the lengthy development cycle and significant personnel changes might raise concerns regarding the game's quality, the excitement surrounding its arrival, coupled with the resurgence of interest in single-player narratives, suggests that The Veilguard has the potential to reignite the passion of Dragon Age fans and capture the attention of new players alike.
