What BioWare's Shutdown Means for Mass Effect and Dragon Age

For players, this means the future of both franchises is uncertain after BioWare's closure. Mass Effect may be more attractive to buyers, while Dragon Age could inspire spiritual successors rather tha…

For players, this means the future of both franchises is uncertain after BioWare's closure. Mass Effect may be more attractive to buyers, while Dragon Age could inspire spiritual successors rather tha…

Key points - BioWare veteran Mark Darrah said Mass Effect is a more valuable IP than Dragon Age without the people attached. - Darrah argued Dragon Age's worldbuilding overlaps with Lord of the Rings, Baldur's Gate, and The Witcher. - He questioned whether buying Dragon Age would sell enough extra copies to justify the cost. - Darrah suggested most companies would be better off making Dragon Age-inspired games instead. - He noted that unless you're someone like David Gaider, fans won't follow a new Dragon Age for free.

Timeline - Shortly before BioWare's shutdown: Mark Darrah gives an interview to Eldorado.gg discussing the value of Mass Effect and Dragon Age IPs. - After BioWare's shutdown: Attention turns to the future of the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises.

FAQ

Q: Why does Mark Darrah think Mass Effect is more valuable than Dragon Age? A: He says Mass Effect's worldbuilding is unique, while Dragon Age shares too much in common with other popular fantasy franchises like Lord of the Rings, Baldur's Gate, and The Witcher.

Q: Could another studio buy Dragon Age? A: Darrah suggests it's possible, but most companies would likely find the numbers don't add up and would be better off making their own Dragon Age-inspired games.

Q: What did Darrah mean by a 'Dragon Age game with the serial number filed off'? A: He was referring to a spiritual successor that borrows heavily from Dragon Age without the official IP, avoiding the cost of acquiring the franchise.