BioWare likely has high ambitions for the games it is creating. However, rather than forcing hype through consistent promises, BioWare is instead taking a more transparent approach, being honest with fans regarding its progress on the latest Dragon Age and Mass Effect games. Considering how some studios will set incredibly high expectations, it is refreshing to see BioWare’s transparency in action.
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The Lack of Transparency in Gaming
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on a lack of transparency from some major developers and publishers. It can appear as though a game is nearing the end of its development, then a month or so before launch there is a sudden delay. While most would rather have a completed game later down the line than an unfinished one now, there appears to be a general lack of information about how an upcoming release’s development is progressing, which has seen major titles like Warhammer 40:000: Darktide, Redfall, and Starfield all being delayed this year.
Considering the scale and ambition of AAA titles, as well as the aforementioned pandemic, it is understandable that sometimes release dates aren’t firm promises. However, this can lead to fans feeling as though they’re in the dark about their favorite upcoming game. This can create confusion, as for example this year a lot of fans were worried whether God of War: Ragnarok would see another delay in the months prior to launch.
There are outliers from this pattern, and by no means is every game delayed. Some, like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Gotham Knights, have managed to even push their releases forward. Overall though, a lot of fans would appreciate more transparency from their favorite developers. Luckily for those fond of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, BioWare has been a lot more open about these franchises of late.
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How BioWare’s Approach with Mass Effect and Dragon Age Differs
Following the failure of Anthem, a lot of eyes are on BioWare to see whether it can make a return to glory. It seems the studio is completely abandoning multiplayer in its next Dragon Age and Mass Effect games, which is likely due to the mistakes it made with Anthem. BioWare has also changed the way it divulges information to its fans, opting for a more transparent approach that doesn’t promise much.
This doesn’t mean that BioWare isn’t able to generate hype for the next Mass Effect and Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. These franchises are so beloved that even without consistent cinematic trailers or early gameplay footage, there is a lot of anticipation built through regular small teases. In terms of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf specifically, there was the aforementioned announcement that it is playable from start to finish in an alpha stage. In community posts, BioWare has also revealed plenty of details on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, speaking directly to fans about its upcoming RPG.
Though these teases that have built hype, BioWare has ensured that expectations don’t get too high. Even with the alpha announcement for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, BioWare didn’t make any promises regarding a release date. This ensures that BioWare doesn’t have to rush its process of making Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, and the same goes for its next Mass Effect game. BioWare keeps the pressure off itself when previously short deadlines had led to disappointments like Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem.
Game developers being held on a pedestal can only lead to further disappointment. However, BioWare’s transparency with the upcoming Dragon Age and Mass Effect games should be praised, as it has allowed work to be done on both games without the pressure of a launch date or excessive mechanics. It would be refreshing to see more studios tease out their games in this sense, giving details only when they become available rather than making a grand show of a cinematic trailer that may or may not meet its expectations and launch window.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is in development.
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