TheBadGamer

Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah has stepped up to challenge recent claims that Dragon Age: Inquisition was a "commercial failure." With the impending release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, discussions around the Dragon Age series have intensified, prompting fans and industry insiders to reflect on the success—or perceived lack thereof—of previous installments, particularly Inquisition. Released in 2014, Dragon Age: Inquisition was the last major title in the series until the upcoming The Veilguard. The game received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its immersive storylines and richly developed characters. However, despite its glowing reviews, some recent debates have called into question the game’s commercial performance. This has led fans, and now a key developer, to jump into the fray to clarify just how well Inquisition performed. Mark Darrah Defends Dragon Age: Inquisition’s Legacy Responding to a conversation on Twitter, Mark Darrah revealed that Dragon Age: Inquisition has sold over 12 million copies since its launch, making it BioWare’s best-selling game. Additionally, the game earned the coveted Game of the Year title in 2014, cementing its place in gaming history. Darrah’s intervention came after some fans expressed disappointment with the tone of the more recent entries, comparing them unfavorably to earlier games in the series. The conversation began when some users suggested that The Veilguard and Inquisition had strayed too far from the “serious and grimdark” tone that defined the earlier Dragon Age titles. This claim of tonal drift, alongside suggestions that Inquisition had underperformed commercially, was what led Darrah to set the record straight, highlighting the game's critical and financial achievements. Refuting the ‘Commercial Failure’ Label Darrah’s remarks not only emphasize the overwhelming success of Inquisition, but they also speak to BioWare’s broader strategy with the Dragon Age series. He reminded fans that Inquisition wasn’t just a moderate success but was, in fact, BioWare’s best-performing game at the time. This success was achieved while balancing the franchise’s signature mix of humor, dark fantasy, and engaging storytelling—elements that have defined the series from the start. This clarification is timely, especially given the ongoing speculation surrounding Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Fans eagerly awaiting the new title have debated whether the latest installment will return to the darker, more serious tones of earlier games. BioWare has stated that The Veilguard will honor the roots of the franchise, promising a return to familiar themes of dark fantasy, while evolving aspects of the game to reflect modern expectations. Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the Future of the Franchise As the first new Dragon Age entry in a decade, Dragon Age: The Veilguard has naturally prompted reflection on the series' legacy. BioWare’s upcoming title aims to reconnect with fans after a long hiatus, and early gameplay demos have given fans a glimpse of the fresh yet familiar world. A recent demo even showcased redesigned Darkspawn monsters, highlighting the studio’s efforts to adapt the lore to the new aesthetic, while remaining true to the franchise's established tone. The discussion surrounding Inquisition has led to more excitement about what’s to come with The Veilguard. By addressing concerns from the fanbase and drawing attention to the commercial triumphs of Inquisition, BioWare seems committed to delivering another compelling experience that lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors. Final Thoughts While online debates will continue, Mark Darrah's intervention underscores the massive success and cultural impact of Dragon Age: Inquisition. As fans gear up for the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, it’s important to remember that BioWare has a proven track record of creating beloved, enduring RPGs. Whether through complex characters, engaging narratives, or a finely balanced tone, the Dragon Age series has consistently pushed the boundaries of what role-playing games can achieve—and The Veilguard is poised to do the same. Also Read:

Hi, I'm TheBadGamer

Mark Darrah

Ex-BioWare Producer Defends Dragon Age: Inquisition’s Commercial Success