EA CEO Says Dragon Age: The Veilguard Failed to 'Resonate With a Broad Audience,' Gamers Increasingly Want 'Shared-World Features'

EA's Andrew Wilson attributes the financial underperformance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard to its failure to attract a wider audience. Last week's restructuring of BioWare, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, saw staff from the Dragon Age team reassigned. EA reported only 1.5 million players engaged with The Veilguard, significantly below projections.

IGN previously documented the game's troubled development, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel. According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, BioWare staff viewed the game's completion as a feat considering EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed.

Wilson, in an investor call, suggested future RPGs require "shared-world features and deeper engagement," alongside strong narratives, to broaden appeal. He acknowledged The Veilguard's critical acclaim but emphasized its limited audience reach in a competitive market. This statement is perplexing given EA's mandated shift of The Veilguard from a live-service model to a single-player RPG, as reported by IGN.

Fans criticize EA's interpretation of the The Veilguard's failure, citing the success of recent single-player RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3. The future of the Dragon Age franchise remains uncertain.

EA CFO Stuart Canfield linked BioWare's restructuring, reducing its size significantly, to the evolving gaming landscape and the need to prioritize high-potential projects. He highlighted the industry's shift, noting that blockbuster storytelling alone is insufficient.

It's crucial to remember that single-player games contribute minimally to EA's revenue. Live service games, particularly Ultimate Team, account for the majority (74% in the past year), with contributions from titles like Apex Legends and The Sims. Future EA titles, including Skate and the next Battlefield, will likely maintain this live-service model.