Veteran RPG writer David Gaider, best known for creating the world of Thedas in Dragon Age, is facing one of the most critical moments of his career. His upcoming project, a new airship-based heist RPG, has attracted publisher interest but has yet to secure full funding, with Gaider describing it as a “make-or-break” situation for his studio.
Speaking in an interview with PC Gamer, Gaider revealed that the game centers on
“a crew of rogues in an airship that go around performing heists,”
eventually evolving into a larger role-playing narrative. While early prototypes have been well received, publishers remain hesitant to commit financially unless the project is significantly further along in development.
Gaider explained that the current industry climate is making it increasingly difficult for original games to secure backing.
“It’s been almost three years it’s been going through this weird contraction,”
he said, pointing to widespread layoffs and a risk-averse funding culture. According to him, publishers are now prioritizing near-finished projects or established intellectual properties, leaving smaller studios struggling to survive.
This shift has directly impacted his studio, Summerfall Studios, which he co-founded nearly a decade ago. After releasing narrative-driven titles such as Stray Gods, the team has relied heavily on prototypes and smaller projects while searching for funding for the new RPG. Gaider admitted that without investment, the future of the studio could be at risk.
Despite the uncertainty, he remains committed to crafting character-driven experiences. Reflecting on past BioWare design philosophies, Gaider emphasized the importance of characters having true agency.
“They need the ability to be unhappy with your decisions, and possibly even turn on you,”
he said, arguing that meaningful conflict is essential for emotional storytelling in RPGs.
The heist RPG’s fate now rests on whether publishers are willing to take a risk on an original concept in a cautious market. If funding does not arrive, Gaider hinted he may have to consider stepping away from studio leadership altogether.
For now, the project remains in development limbo—highly praised, but still searching for the financial backing needed to move forward.
