The game director of Dragon Age: The Veilguard recently assured fans that the new installment will honor all player choices from previous games, eliminating the need for a canon world state. In a genre where branching storylines and impactful decisions are vital, BioWare has long been a pioneer, particularly with its Mass Effect trilogy. Unlike the continuous narrative of Commander Shepard, the Dragon Age series functions as an anthology, with the world of Thedas as the unifying factor. Dragon Age: The Veilguard continues this tradition, set in northern Thedas, and introduces players to Rook, an agent hired by the familiar character Varric Tethras.

New Approach to Character Decisions

In past games, Dragon Age Keep allowed players to import their decisions into Dragon Age: Inquisition. However, for The Veilguard, this service will be retired. Instead, players will make their choices via the character creation menu, where they can also customize their Inquisitor’s appearance. Historically, Dragon Age has taken liberties with player decisions, such as Leliana’s presence in Inquisition, regardless of the player’s actions in Origins.

Developer Insights

In an interview with TheGamer, game director John Epler clarified that The Veilguard will not enforce a default, canon world state. “We get asked that a lot, especially because when we start doing products like comics [and] shows, people want to know what’s canon,” Epler stated. “We have to decide one that is for that media canon, but I don’t think there really is a canon state of the world.”

Player-Centric Canon

Epler emphasized the importance of personal player canon, stating, “I do think there are some more interesting ones, I’m always a fan of the most chaotic and strange paths through the game, but no, there’s no canon. There’s always what your world of Thedas is, what your people have done… it’s your own canon.”

The anthology format of Dragon Age allows players to bond over their unique protagonists and world states. Unlike Mass Effect, where Shepard is the focal point, the world of Thedas itself is central to Dragon Age. Players’ decisions, such as who succeeds King Cailan in Origins or the fate of Mages and Templars in Inquisition, shape the narrative landscape.

A New Chapter in Thedas

The Veilguard is set ten years after the events of Inquisition and takes place on the other side of Thedas, providing ample creative freedom. The game promises six origin stories and seven companions, embodying BioWare’s signature character-driven storytelling. Fans eagerly await its release in Fall 2024, hopeful that their past choices will be respected and woven into the new narrative.

Final Thoughts

With Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare continues to prioritize player agency, allowing fans to see the lasting impact of their decisions. As the series evolves, maintaining this respect for player choice strengthens its appeal and fosters a deeper connection with the world of Thedas. As players prepare for the next chapter, they can look forward to an experience tailored by their own journey through this rich, fantastical world.

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