Electronic Arts Refused Multiple Remakes of BioWare's Classic Game Dragon Age: Origins

In a recent interview with YouTuber MrMattyPlays, former BioWare veteran Mark Darrah shared an interesting insight into the studio's past projects. According to Darrah, Electronic Arts (EA) rejected several pitches from BioWare to remake or remaster their classic game, Dragon Age: Origins.

A Classic Game with a Loyal Fan Base

Released in 2009, Dragon Age: Origins was one of the most anticipated games of its time. The action role-playing game (RPG) set in the fantasy world of Thedas received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and immersive gameplay mechanics.

The game's success can be attributed to its well-developed storylines, richly detailed setting, and innovative combat system. Players could choose from three distinct classes: Darkspawn, Human, or Elf, each with their unique abilities and playstyles. The game's protagonist, the Grey Warden, was also a fan favorite due to his complex and nuanced character development.

EA's Rejection of Remakes

Fast forward to the present day, and it has been revealed that EA refused multiple pitches from BioWare to remake or remaster Dragon Age: Origins. Darrah, who was part of the team that worked on the game, shared this information in his interview with MrMattyPlays.

According to Darrah, EA expressed concerns about the potential commercial viability of a remake or remaster. The publisher believed that the original game's sales were sufficient and that there wasn't enough demand for a reworked version.

Why Didn't BioWare Pursue a Remake?

It is surprising that BioWare didn't pursue a remake or remaster, given the game's enduring popularity among fans. However, Darrah provided some insight into why the studio might have chosen not to.

In an interview with Kotaku in 2019, Darrah mentioned that the team at BioWare had considered revisiting Dragon Age: Origins, but ultimately decided against it. The reason for this decision was reportedly due to concerns about over-saturation in the market.

With the release of Dragon Age II and Inquisition, followed by the launch of Mass Effect: Andromeda, many fans felt that BioWare's resources were being spread too thin. As a result, the studio decided to focus on developing new IP and exploring different genres rather than revisiting one of their most beloved games.

A Lesson in Nostalgia and Marketing

Darrah's revelation serves as a reminder of the importance of nostalgia and marketing in game development. While EA's decision might have seemed logical at the time, it ultimately resulted in missing out on an opportunity to reinvigorate one of BioWare's most iconic franchises.

In recent years, we've seen numerous remakes and remasters of classic games being released, often with great commercial success. The trend suggests that nostalgia is a powerful driver of consumer demand, and game developers would do well to consider this when making decisions about new projects or reworked classics.

Conclusion

The news that Electronic Arts refused multiple pitches from BioWare to remake or remaster Dragon Age: Origins serves as an interesting footnote in the history of game development. While it may seem like a missed opportunity at the time, it also highlights the complexities and challenges involved in game development.

In the world of gaming, nothing is ever certain, and the path to success can be fraught with twists and turns. However, one thing is clear: nostalgia plays a significant role in shaping consumer demand, and developers would do well to consider this when making decisions about new projects or reworked classics.

Recommendations for BioWare

Given the popularity of Dragon Age: Origins among fans, it's surprising that the studio didn't pursue a remake or remaster. If we were to offer some recommendations to BioWare in the future:

• Revisit old favorites: With the rise of reworked classics and remakes, now is an ideal time for BioWare to revisit one of their most beloved games.
• Explore new IPs: While revisiting old favorites can be rewarding, it's essential for BioWare to continue exploring new intellectual properties (IPs) that showcase their creative vision.
• Balance development resources: To avoid over-saturation in the market, BioWare should focus on balancing their development resources between new IP and reworked classics.

By considering these recommendations, BioWare can ensure they remain a respected and innovative game developer while catering to the diverse needs of their fan base.