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EA CEO Andrew Wilson attributes the financial underperformance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard to its failure to connect with a sufficiently large audience. Last week's restructuring of BioWare, focusing solely on Mass Effect 5, saw personnel transfers from the Dragon Age team to other EA projects.
This followed EA's announcement of The Veilguard's disappointing sales figures. While EA reported 1.5 million players during the recent quarter, this fell significantly short – almost 50% – of projected numbers.
IGN previously documented The Veilguard's development challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reported that BioWare staff considered the game's completion a remarkable feat, given EA's initial push for live-service elements, later reversed.
Wilson, in an investor call, suggested that future role-playing games require "shared-world features and deeper engagement," alongside strong narratives, to broaden appeal beyond the core fanbase. He praised The Veilguard's quality and critical reception, but acknowledged its limited market reach.
This statement implies that incorporating "shared-world features" and enhanced engagement might have boosted sales. However, this perspective clashes with EA's earlier decision to significantly overhaul Dragon Age's development, shifting it from a planned multiplayer game to a single-player RPG.
Fans criticize EA's interpretation of The Veilguard's failure, citing the recent success of single-player RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3. The future of Dragon Age remains uncertain.
EA CFO Stuart Canfield discussed BioWare's restructuring, noting the reduction in staff from approximately 200 to under 100, to prioritize Mass Effect 5. He highlighted the shifting industry landscape and the need to allocate resources to high-potential projects.
It's crucial to note that single-player games contribute minimally to EA's overall revenue. Live service games, generating 74% of revenue in the past year, dominate EA's earnings, largely driven by Ultimate Team, but also including titles like Apex Legends and The Sims. Future projects like Skate and the next Battlefield are also planned as live-service titles.
