The future of BioWare’s long-running Dragon Age franchise appears increasingly uncertain following the commercial performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Mark Darrah, one of the series’ most influential developers, has shared a pessimistic outlook on whether Electronic Arts will move forward with another mainline entry anytime soon.
Speaking in a recent interview, the former BioWare executive suggested that the franchise has effectively stalled inside EA after The Veilguard failed to reach the publisher’s sales targets. His comments come amid broader concerns about BioWare’s future and follow similar remarks from former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider regarding EA’s relationship with the series.
Mark Darrah doubts anyone at EA will pitch another Dragon Age
During an interview with FRVR, Mark Darrah was asked whether EA could release another Dragon Age game in the near future. Darrah, who directed Dragon Age: Origins alongside Dan Tudge and later led Dragon Age II while serving as executive producer on Dragon Age: Inquisition, said he struggles to see how another project would even get started.
Discussing EA’s approach to game development, Darrah said the company has a
“complicated relationship to shipping games.”
He also repeated a remark he once heard about the publisher, saying it was described as
“a hedge fund with a video game hobby that it wished it didn’t spend so much money on.”
While acknowledging it as someone else’s characterization, Darrah said he believes that description still reflects EA’s mindset.
His biggest concern, however, centers on the commercial reception of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. According to Electronic Arts, the RPG sold 1.5 million copies within its first three months, roughly half of the company’s internal expectations. Because of that result, Darrah admitted,
“I have no concept of who could, would, possibly pitch [a new Dragon Age] at EA.”
Internal hurdles may leave the franchise in limbo
Darrah also suggested that the challenge extends beyond sales figures. Based on conversations he has heard about internally, he claimed that studios attempting to develop games based on established EA-owned franchises can face interference from multiple stakeholders, making it difficult for projects to progress. According to Darrah, these competing interests can derail development before a project gains momentum.
He further implied that the situation leaves Dragon Age in a difficult position. Not only does he believe there is little enthusiasm outside BioWare to revive the franchise, but he also questioned whether anyone remaining at the studio is in a position to champion a new installment.
His comments echo those made by former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider in an interview with PC Gamer. Gaider said he would enjoy returning to the series creatively but would hesitate to work with EA again, arguing that the publisher never fully believed in the franchise’s long-term potential and often viewed its commercial successes as exceptions rather than proof of sustained demand.
While EA has not announced plans for another Dragon Age game, Darrah’s remarks highlight the uncertainty surrounding one of BioWare’s most recognizable RPG series. For now, fans hoping for a new adventure in Thedas may have to wait for any official indication that the franchise still has a future.
