

# **Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s Sales Disappoint EA, Former Developers Disagree**
Recently, Electronic Arts (EA) conducted an [earnings call](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/ea-stock-plummets-following-expectations/) where CEO Andrew Wilson discussed the disappointing sales of *Dragon Age: The Veilguard*. Wilson blamed the game’s lack of “shared world” features for its poor performance, suggesting it failed to engage contemporary gamers. In contrast, former *Dragon Age* developers, including ex-BioWare creative director Mike Laidlaw and writer David Gaider, have openly disagreed with this viewpoint.
## **EA’s Perspective on Veilguard’s Failure**
During the call, Wilson emphasized the lack of multiplayer and live-service features as a significant factor in *Veilguard’s* failure to meet sales targets. EA has increasingly adopted live-service strategies, believing that ongoing online experiences enhance engagement and profits. However, this strategy has often clashed with the expectations of fans of established single-player franchises such as *Dragon Age*.
## **Mike Laidlaw’s Response: A Fundamental Misunderstanding?**
Mike Laidlaw, a pivotal contributor to the development of *Dragon Age: Origins*, expressed his dissent with EA’s rationale on [social media](https://bsky.app/profile/mikelaidlaw.bsky.social/post/3lhhb477frc2h). Without explicitly mentioning *Veilguard*, Laidlaw criticized the notion of fundamentally shifting a cherished single-player series to align with multiplayer formats.
> “Look, I’m not a fancy CEO guy,” Laidlaw posted, “but if someone suggested to me ‘the secret to this successful single-player IP’s achievement is to transform it into a purely multiplayer game… To me, I’d probably, like, quit that job or something.’”
Laidlaw’s exit from BioWare in 2017 coincided with EA’s pivot toward live-service initiatives. His remarks indicate that he views this transition as a fundamental error, especially for a series like *Dragon Age*, which has thrived on intricate narratives and immersive single-player experiences.
## **David Gaider’s Take: A Disconnect Between Executives and Gamers**
David Gaider, a former lead writer for *Dragon Age*, also contributed his thoughts on the issue. On [social media](https://bsky.app/profile/davidgaider.bsky.social/post/3lhibt3rwk22l), Gaider hypothesized that EA executives might not grasp the factors that make *Dragon Age* successful.
> “If I really dig into my empathy, I can kinda see the reasoning here. Like, let’s say you don’t actually know much about games. You’re in a large office with several other execs who also lack gaming knowledge. What are they all mentioning? ‘Live games generate big revenues!’ ‘Action games are trending!’”
Gaider’s observations underscore a recurring critique of large publishers: that business strategies are often devised by executives who may not fully comprehend player desires. He advised EA to analyze successful RPGs like *Baldur’s Gate 3* and concentrate on the elements that originally made *Dragon Age* a hit.
> “My recommendation to EA (not that they care): you possess an IP that many people adore. Deeply. At its peak, it sold enough to satisfy you, right? Examine what it excelled at when it was at its most popular. Follow [Baldur’s Gate 3 studio] Larian’s example and emphasize that. The audience remains and is waiting. ❤️”
## **The Future of Dragon Age and BioWare**
With *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* falling short and EA reducing its workforce significantly, the future of BioWare is in limbo. The studio is reportedly shifting focus to the upcoming *Mass Effect* title, but with a workforce reduced to fewer than 100 employees, development could take a significant amount of time.
The discussion surrounding *Veilguard’s* shortcomings raises broader questions regarding the gaming industry’s trajectory. Should publishers pursue trends like live-service models, or should they maintain faith in the core appeal of their well-established franchises? For *Dragon Age* to endure, it may need to revert to its foundational elements—an idea that both fans and former developers seem to support.
For now, the destiny of *Dragon Age* remains uncertain. However, if EA aspires to regain its audience, it may need to reconsider its strategy before it becomes too late.
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