For all the players who grew up playing BioWare RPGs, the studio's closure is undoubtedly heartbreaking news. But I can't help but think this might be the best outcome for the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series. The closure was officially confirmed on October 21, ending its more than thirty-year history of game development and canceling the next Mass Effect game. Given the reception of Mass Effect: Andromeda and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, this news isn't surprising, but considering the glorious history of these series, its closure is still painful. However, the BioWare that created these legendary games is long gone, and the studio has long since lost its former glory.
But even if BioWare shuts down, it doesn't mean the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series will die out. To be honest, under the management of BioWare and EA, these two series were already on their last legs. The original titles are classics that players (including myself) have never forgotten, and they remain charming to this day. In contrast, the studio's recent entries in the series have been difficult for many fans to finish. So, in a sense, EA closing BioWare might actually be a good thing for the series, as it opens the door for other developers to take over and revitalize it.
The BioWare That Created Dragon Age and Mass Effect No Longer Exists
It's hard to discuss BioWare's closure without mentioning the huge changes the developer has undergone over the years. The studio that created Dragon Age: Origins and the original Mass Effect trilogy was built on core members who had a deep understanding of their respective worlds, character settings, and narrative philosophies. However, many developers have moved on, such as those working on the upcoming EXODUS™. With so many key members gone, BioWare is now a shadow of its former self.
Of course, the departure of developers doesn't mean their successors can't make great games. BioWare still had many talented people at the time, and things seemed to be looking up, especially with the prospects for the next Mass Effect. Having experienced developers is important, but it doesn't guarantee that the entire studio still adheres to the creative philosophy that led to its early success. Unfortunately, BioWare's recent work hasn't convinced people that it's back on track.
This doesn't mean the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series must stick rigidly to formula. Trying new ideas is important, but unfortunately, BioWare made the wrong choices with Veilguard and Andromeda. Dragon Age: Origins embraced tough choices, strategic combat, and intricate political conflicts. The original Mass Effect trilogy blended exploration, memorable companions, and story consequences that spanned multiple games. Comparing the new entries to these titles reveals just how huge the gap is between expectations and reality.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Mass Effect: Andromeda Exposed BioWare's Problems
Signs were evident long before EA decided to close BioWare. Released in 2017, Mass Effect: Andromeda attempted to expand the series' story beyond Commander Shepard with a new galaxy, characters, and approach to exploration. However, technical issues, uneven storytelling, and disappointing character animations overshadowed the game's original ambitions. The combat and environmental exploration were decent, but not enough to carry the entire game.
Then, Dragon Age: The Veilguard arrived in 2024. After a ten-year wait following Dragon Age: Inquisition, players had high hopes for this game. However, its lighthearted tone, simplified RPG systems, and narrative approach disappointed old fans. The game certainly had its highlights, and I did enjoy the overall experience, but it didn't feel like a Dragon Age title to me. It felt more like a project that was hastily branded as "Dragon Age" after its concept had already taken shape.
What disappointed me most about these games wasn't that they tried different gameplay mechanics, but that they fundamentally didn't understand why fans loved the original games. Mass Effect: Andromeda offered an entire galaxy to explore, yet struggled to create companions as engaging as those aboard the Normandy. The Veilguard provided fluid action combat but sacrificed the complexity and moral depth I associated with the series. Both had their merits, and the developers deserve credit for that, but ultimately, the series lost its way.
Dragon Age and Mass Effect Deserve Another Chance with a Different Developer
BioWare's closure doesn't mean the end of the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series. EA still owns the IP for these series, and there's no official news indicating that either series will be sold or transferred to other developers. However, BioWare's closure provides an opportunity to reconsider the future of these two series. By licensing these series to other renowned developers, they might get a chance to revitalize and even reach the heights of the originals.
There are already examples of beloved RPG series thriving even after their original developers moved on. Larian Studios turned Baldur's Gate into a modern masterpiece with Baldur's Gate 3, making it one of the most popular games of all time. Other developers could do the same for the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series. It's unclear who that developer might be, but with so many talented studios and the series' rich history, EA should have no trouble finding a developer willing to take on the challenge.
None of this means BioWare's closure is a victory worth celebrating. Talented developers have lost their jobs, and one of the most influential chapters in gaming history has come to an end. However, I'd rather see the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series entrusted to ambitious teams that truly understand their appeal, than watch them fade away under the weight of their former developer's reputation. The studio's achievements deserve respect, but its series should also have a future. Sometimes, to preserve what makes something special, we need to accept that those tasked with carrying the torch may need to make changes.
