The Making of Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Cover Story Feature

[@MarkDarrah]

Its a me! Mark Darrah!

[@RandomWandrer]

Hello You! Thanks for jumping back into Dragon Age to see it right. Tell Corrinne we want the character creator, pretty pweeeaase!

[@scratchbone1092]

If there is something you could really NOT go wrong with is releasing the Character Creator early. If it is as robust as it is described, it will surely drive up sales and interest. I hope y'all discuss it internally and come up with a release date for the character creator. Please...

[@_Thaery]

You sly silver fox.

[@cyberprogger8368]

Oh, Hi Mark! It's me! A gamer on hopium for the game.

[@_Thaery]

@@cyberprogger8368 Joy can be shared by all.

[@RANDHAWA117]

Going to visit all the nations which we have only heard about in past 3 games excites me the most!

[@SebastiaanBenders]

And then getting one dungeon themed to that nation? Think Winter Palace. Have you really visited Orlais, though?

[@TheHunchy101]

Give me a break. Why dont u make the next dragon age then lol!

[@Kleineganz]

@@SebastiaanBenders We got to visit a lot of Orlais in Inquisition. The Dales (which includes the Exalted Plains, Emprise de Lion, and the Emerald Graves), The Arbor Wilds, The Western Approach, the Hissing Wastes, the Forbidden Oasis are all within the borders of Orlais. Did you maybe mean being able to see more of the captial, Val Royeaux? I definitely would have liked to have seen more of that city.

[@Rikard_A]

Why many Nations I see a lack of focus in the narrative and logical progression in storytelling.

[@Kleineganz]

@@Rikard_A Why can't the story take place across many different locations? Keep in mind, the nations to the north are somewhat smaller. They span the same width as Orlais and Ferelden together (Anderfels, Tevinter, Nevarra, Antiva, Rivain), so it may be more "nations" but it spans as much land as Inquisition. All of which were part of ancient Elvehnan, which is going to be a big part of the story with two of the ancient Elven gods returning from the Fade.

[@Crunchypinecone]

I'm genuinely so pumped. Last time a DA game came out I was able to binge it so hard. Now I have... children 😅

[@tedddenzel6769]

Binge it with them lol

[@RandomWandrer]

Well kids need more sleep than parents, so there could be a couple of hours in there for you :p

[@Russman67]

It sounds like I'm going to have to push the character creation sliders to the extremes and create a big fluffy Dwarf assassin. 4 ft tall by 4 ft wide. Somewhere between Varric and Jack Black.

[@ThatFont]

Rip Tenacious D

[@Rain-cs3wp]

please post that somewhere when you do, i want to see that do badly

[@FergieTheTaurus]

I want to see this 😂

[@AdmiralElite]

Combat looks like DAI multiplayer your telling me after 10 years that’s acceptable ? Literally number one complaint since DAO 3 skill moves ? If we can only control one character at least give us 4 skill moves 😂

[@SmugSuspenders]

Did they die?

[@agneskener9977]

I'm delighted by their focus on making the companions feel like they have agency and you're going on a journey with *them*, very much looking forward to meeting them all

[@sayurioffenborn4960]

I only hope it doesn't feel forced. In some games i feel like the companions wouldn't be our companions, if they could decied.

[@agneskener9977]

@@sayurioffenborn4960 I agree, I'm pretty optimistic because they keep saying they have their own legitimate reasons for wanting to help the cause so it sounds like they thought of that!

[@matthewsnow-zj1cu]

I completely agree. I am one of those folks who enjoys some optimization, but don’t particularly like micromanaging each element of a character’s progression and development. I’ve always wanted a set of companions who felt like they were making their own choices about who they grow to become over the course of the story and how they act on the battlefield. DA:2s underrated companion action scripting was a streamlined but effective means of achieving this, but it still had its rough spots. I hope this game leans more heavily into companions having their own preferences for action and choice and learn to operate with your other companions choices over time, similar to inclination’s effects on pawns in Dragon’s Dogma. I’m very curious to finally see Rivain and hopefully Par Volen since they are the most culturally distinct from the areas of Thedas we’ve already learned so much about previously. NGL Bellara has me intrigued too. We don’t know anything about her character, but she looks like she’s bringing the zaniness and I always appreciate that in what is usually such a grim world. But heck I liked Sera in DA: I too.

[@Lady_v3nom]

I really hope they take a chapter from dragons dogma and give us the cc before the game release 😩

[@RandomWandrer]

Me too.

[@Sharie_mabari]

Fingers crossed.

[@Roland1405]

Actually, it was dragons dogma that took a chapter from Dragon Age Origins. 😉

[@Rikard_A]

Two different kinds of games and storytelling even how bestha and how Oblivion and Skyrm was produced are completly different kind of games and storytelling. Why want that all games should be same. If you want a hack and slash game then buy it. But don't conflate narrative vision.

[@Roland1405]

@@Rikard_A "I really hope they take a chapter from dragons dogma and give us the cc...." 🙃

[@panamakira]

Excited for this! 10 years waiting for the next game. Wishing the devs the best and I hope we get a good game after such a long time ❤

[@Elfroott]

Most important question for me: How big can i make my Elf ears?

[@AntivanAmbassador]

See, this is asking the big questions we need to know. As for myself, how many horn options do I have for Qunari? I’m going to live inside the character creator.

[@Elfroott]

@@AntivanAmbassador I actually think to remember that, in one of the earlier articles, they said that there are around 40 options to choose from. They were talking about horn styles as well as materials though so I am unsure what it refers to.

[@AntivanAmbassador]

@@ElfroottExcellent!

[@TarotMage]

@@AntivanAmbassador Oh, they had me at 'bulge slider' 😈

[@Nocturnie]

These are the important questions!!

[@nicoleisom2920]

I've never wanted to play any game more than this. I'm hyped. I miss Thedas.

[@quintyss1290]

I want to go into every building, talk to everyone, and leave no stone unturned for love of loot and lore. If someone spent time and love on an aspect of the game, I want to experience it. Will we be rewarded for this? Will there even be dungeon crawls??

[@xt0t4ld34thx]

Thats the only part we havent seen so far, the exploration. I also wonder how many buildings will be accessible and if there will be chests and loot to find. It worries me as that was the best aspect of Dragon Age games so far.

[@JSandwich13]

Ive been a fan simce DAO came out. I fell in love with the storytelling and charscters The excitement I feel is unbelievable. The devs sounds like they care a great deal about this world & these characters im looking so forward to getting deep into the story & characters, that's what I find most exciting. Can't wait!

[@stolendiamond09]

1:03 omg the music is absolutely incredible, so hyped to hear more of the game's soundtrack!

[@1lapmagic]

That's extremely basic, uninspired music...

[@stolendiamond09]

⁠@@1lapmagicI strongly disagree. The only element of it that could be described as “basic” is the film score-type style about it, yet Inquisition’s soundtrack was the same way and it was still amazing. Aside from that, it’s a very epic melodic orchestral theme that really captures the heroic vibe they’re going for, and I like it.

[@4RedJohn]

@@1lapmagic Agreed!

[@milirin]

@@1lapmagic you're basic

[@malindrayy]

Hail Satan! Welcome Year Zeeerroooo! Sounded like Ghost's music - Zero

[@beccangavin]

I’m excited for this game. It just seems like it was a very cohesive and comprehensive design philosophy for the game. It’s already on my wish list. BioWare, my birthday is in September and I would like to gift myself this game. Oh, I’m getting even more excited about this game listening to them talk.

[@chaptereight2639]

It excites me to hear that so much of the focus has been on narrative, lore, and companion relationships. That is why I play Bioware games. If companion story lines are so important, and we have to complete storylines to advance our companions, and consequences are also a big deal, then I get the vibe it's going to be sort of like Virmire or Mass Effect 2's suicide run but on steroids. I personally am not bothered by missing the top down tactical pause mode. If others are I understand... But if everything else they say is true then it seems like this game is checking 9 out of 10 boxes for reasons people usually say they love Dragon Age games.

[@xt0t4ld34thx]

the tactical pause and combat was very tedious in the classic Dragon Age games. Combat was by the worst aspect of every past DA game, so if Veilguard combines the combat and story into a decent experience, it will be the best DA game so far.

[@BradTheAmerican]

@@xt0t4ld34thx The pausing for combat was mostly unnecessary with tactic slots and a basic understanding of how the conditions worked.

[@xt0t4ld34thx]

@@BradTheAmerican I used the tactic System actually quite intensively, but it didnt convince me too much. I prefer either round-based or action Combat Systems.

[@BradTheAmerican]

@@xt0t4ld34thx the great thing about real-time with pause is that it goes as fast or as slow as the player needs it to be, and the tactic slots naturally allowed the tedious micromanaging to be a minimum. It was a useful feature, not a drawback as modern BioWare seems to see it as.

[@xt0t4ld34thx]

@@BradTheAmerican well Im not a big fan of Idle or Semi-Idle games, but we have different likes on that matter. I just hope the game is overall decent.

[@TheTrueThomayo]

I trust Mark Darrah

[@pajmic666]

Mark Darrah is the only trustworthy person in that video.

[@erxs]

​@@pajmic666john epler is literally right there. are you people slow

[@AeschylusShepherd]

@@erxs The word is the team is 100% behind this IP. I am cautiously optimistic.

[@Kornelius707]

The main game director was suspicious to me, but what she says here is encouraging. It seems she really wants this one to be the best one.

[@Supadrumma441]

If Mark wasn't involved I wouldn't touch this game with a 10 foot pole. I will give it a chance because of him.

[@RaphaelFarmer]

Omg, I can't wait for this. I've been a fan since 2009 with Origins and man... what a series! Every entry is different while still being very Dragon Age in its DNA. I see Veilguard and all I can say is: GIVE ME THE CONTROLLER AND LET ME PLAY! 😭🤩 I am going to burn a lot of hours on this. It will sustain me for years to come. Thank you, BioWare. And welcome back! I've missed you! Bring on Fall 2024. 10 years since Inquisition... Finally, I'll be back in Thedas. 😍

[@Greyhare974]

I get you're a small youtuber trying to make it big, but have some dignity

[@RaphaelFarmer]

@@Greyhare974 Lmao wth? It's ok for you not to be excited by this game but I am. I am passionate about Dragon Age and experienced everything since 2009. Some of us are cool with change and can see the series' heart and soul in every entry so far. And Veilguard looks like it has both, so... I am excited. 😎

[@MetthewLellewell]

@@RaphaelFarmer Sometimes less is more, friend... 😅

[@kaitlynkloss4457]

I’m so excited to finally get my hands on this game and these new characters after so long!! Good luck BioWare 💜

[@bigpesoproductions1413]

It looks terrible!

[@ThatFont]

I really want to know pre-order info so I can get this game as soon as it comes out ❤ Everything I see is exactly what I’d want from Dragon Age.

[@cakery940]

This looks so good!! I can't wait to see how the companions progress, it sounds like there's going to be a lot of replayability

[@zenky4989]

im kind of disappointed that they are hinting towards making solas some sort of a companion right at the start of the game, it discards his whole arc and the build up we had in the trespasser not even letting us have him be the "villain" for at least some part of it. would have been better if he had a redemption arc or not depending on your choices. again, not at the start but somewhere in the middle of the game.

[@4RedJohn]

Why have a compelling, complex villain that we have a history with and he's not emotionally indifferent to us, when we can replace him with two more generic evil blighted gods (*cough* *cough* Coryphenus!) who want to be gods just for the sake of having a huge ego. As if that trope didn't get way more attention than it deserved already...

[@icescorpion6189]

@@4RedJohn The Evanuris / Elven gods were established into the lore since Dragon Age Origins, unlike Corypheus. They certainly aren't 'generic' if you take the time to read any of their existing backstory.

[@zenky4989]

@@4RedJohn agree on the corypheus part and how boring generic villains are and solas is a complex characters thats why it would be weird for him to literaly drop what he has been planing for years and the stuff he has done to get what he wants, sure maybe somehow he had some character development between the events of inquisition and veilguard but would be better and more personal to see an actual character arc ingame

[@zenky4989]

@@icescorpion6189 tbh corypheus had a lot of potential and droped one of the hardest line of the series at the beginning of inquisition. i hope they wont screw up an another existent character that was already in the lore

[@4RedJohn]

@@icescorpion6189 Corypheus' backstory isn't generic either, that's not the point. They already released one trailer where they showed us Elgar'nan speaking - he acts exactly like a generic evil guy with huge ego, self-assured about his greatness. This is by no means better than Solas, who isn't a comical evil. And Dragon Age always needed this kind of villains, that's why Architect never making a return was so sad and disappointing. Also, the fact that we will have two/three Evanuris at large, and judging by the context of the game we will easily defeat all of them in a matter of probably few months at most, while they were known for being absolute beasts combat wise, and no mere mortal could ever defy them, we're already disrespecting Evanuris lore here by making Lameguard accomplish that.

[@kalaelizabeth]

LETS GOOO 🎉

[@fernandomagalhaes637]

I came from your tweet o/

[@kalaelizabeth]

🫡🫡🫡🫡​@@fernandomagalhaes637

[@jackiemortes]

Theeeere she is

[@kalaelizabeth]

🫡🫡🫡🫡​@@fernandomagalhaes637

[@eebee8052]

IN KALA WE TRUST

[@nicolekrueger6429]

Can't wait to play this!! All the companions look so cool I'm looking forward to meeting them :)

[@virginiamurr3703]

Re-reading Tevinter Nights in preparation for the release of The Veilguard. :-) Egads, I can't wait for this game.

[@saramations]

How much did they pay you to comment this?

[@virginiamurr3703]

@@saramations Let's see if I can explain this slowly and with small words: I've been a Bioware fan since BG1. They are the only gaming studio I actually respect. So, instead of wasting your time bashing people for being excited about something you don't like, please take a breath, go elsewhere, and find something you do like.

[@TheHunchy101]

I swear these haters are everywhere lol

[@klarapetrijevcanin]

The people that made bg1 are long gone from bioware. ​@@virginiamurr3703

[@calebchapel7835]

I know it's weird but this video made me cry. This franchise is like, my childhood.

[@Greyhare974]

you're definitely right , it is weird. But you're also missing sad and pathetic.

[@jabloneynophony1875]

@@Greyhare974 lmfao!

[@davionknight7355]

me too 🥲

[@nickwilliams7511]

Look out, dude. The guy with the John Cena profile picture is bullying you

[@ChickenDinner_TheWinner]

⁠​⁠@@nickwilliams7511They making John Cena look bad why am I not surprised

[@deerteeth8566]

after 25 years of gaming, ive never been as excited for any game as much as i am for veilguard. character focus, pro-solas devs and incredible stylisation is exactly everything ive been dreaming of the last 10 years! thank you bioware

[@BlackWipeout]

I think you have some eye’s problems…

[@kixmix2450]

I am so excited to hear the companioms and their stories will be more linked to the main story, not as detached from it!

[@dazdahar]

Good luck, Bioware. My heart with you

[@Nocturnie]

well well well sounds like ima spent hours in character creator and I'm so HERE FOR IT

[@sethzunker2100]

Yay Mark Darrah!! So glad you found your way back to the game :)

[@themoonrocketride]

I'M SO EXCITED I NEED A RELEASE DATE

[@Antberi]

31 october

[@ididntwanttomakethis6588]

This is giving me Mass Effect 2 level of focus on characters which is getting me excited. Love this series, really can’t wait.

[@scaps2200]

Bioware is not the same company that created the Mass Effect trilogy and hasn't had a top tier game in years so we shall see.

[@HandleOfLegends]

⁠@@scaps2200Who asked? Not that you’re speaking truth anyways.

[@jossebrodeur6033]

​@scaps2200 They're also not the same company that created Andromeda and Anthem, but people like you love to forget that.

[@ididntwanttomakethis6588]

@@scaps2200 literally every company changes staff as time goes on. Epler has worked on all the Dragon Age games before though, so it’s not like there is no one there who was part of BioWare before.

[@SmugSuspenders]

Except when they fire the lead writers

[@JackdawYT]

Cannot wait!!!!!

[@AfonsoVMSP]

So excited!!!

[@ruandeswardt6106]

Thanks for the content you also put out there,...it's almost time for DA4!👊🙂

[@starry65]

it's disgusting jackdaw still has a following after what he did. no wonder you can't even say the word "jackdaw" in the dragon age discord server without being muted for an hour.

[@erxs]

@@starry65 what?

[@scratchbone1092]

What happened? Im out of the loop and I watch his content from time to time.

[@DizietSma69]

My most anticipated game of the decade, I'm so hopeful for it to be amazing. The lead writer is the GOAT so I know it's gonna be good

[@geraltGalleg0s]

If you were looking for a piece of new information we haven't read in Leblanc articles - there is none. You're welcome.

[@Supadrumma441]

Saved me 30mins of my life. Thanks.

[@brothercoconut6599]

They should pin your comment

[@tepkunset]

I especially love the emphasis put on a found family dynamic!

[@Infernal460]

Like Dragon Age 2, that failed to do so.

[@LiaraGaming]

@@Infernal460 You take that back right now!!! 🤣

[@Infernal460]

@@LiaraGaming I'm sorry a year past before I saw that comment. Oh and Qunarri landed, but we aren't going to show that.

[@calebchapel7835]

@@Infernal460 dragon age 2 had the best cast of characters in this franchise so far and it really isn't close... troll much?

[@calebchapel7835]

@@Infernal460 just waffling

[@mabellemichelle]

I've been waiting for this game for ten years i am so excited!!🎉🎉🎉

[@Itsajess11]

I trust Mark. *shrugs* I have never been so excited in my life.

[@wepepe7603]

I'm just excited for this game!! And to see the game dev really love about their game they crafted for years. Waiting for release date!!

[@Kornelius707]

Sounds like they are actually gonna have more than ONE black hair style 😅 Looking forward to character creator!

[@gingerfux1116]

I'm so ready!! 😍

[@Winterking23]

I'm so excited for veilguard!!! 😊😊😊

[@OldManMigs]

this game is going to be so much fun! can't wait to get in and play - my head canon for Rook is getting overwhelming 😶‍🌫

[@heatherwind]

Please don't kill Varric Please don't kill Varric Please don't kill Varric.

[@johannord4778]

That depends if the previous shared there wish to kill Varric and the new followed through on it.

[@bbenner3400]

I don't want him killed, but I'm getting tired of Varric being the only one that carries over through the games in a meaningful way. Morrigan is all but forgotten. Her story is so much more interesting.

[@riches3581]

@@heatherwind Varric was meant to die all the way back in DA2. They are finally going to do it.

[@heatherwind]

@@riches3581 It's definitely looking that way from what I've seen and read so far. But unlike losing Duncan back in DAO we've had more time to get attached to him. And if Solas is the one to actually do it - that just adds insult to injury. :(

[@banjomir519]

Don't worry, they won't. He's the in-game narrator.

[@Ninjadonkey100]

Sounds less like a making of and more like every other tepid and vague marketing video I've seen, there's little to no actual information here and mostly fluff.

[@MicahLetsPlay]

Watching this video has brought my hype to the next level. ❤ I can't wait to see the character creator and experience the story of this long-awaited game.

[@HeroOfTime223]

Can’t wait to finally get my hands on it 😭

[@ali74826]

CANNOT WAIT

[@saudal5176]

So excited!!!

[@pematsering4517]

The Sims, the Sims guys, that's where Busche is coming from. Bioware couldn't get someone with better expertise??? Holy crap

[@Greyhare974]

it's over

[@pematsering4517]

@@Greyhare974 i refused to think like this, well, until I saw this video. Its indeed over, I have no doubts anymore

[@fellipecardoso656]

So excited 😍😍😍

[@niora973]

All these people who "do not care" or "hate this game already" put an awful lot of time into interacting with it. Some people have too much lifetime to throw away xDD I'm excited to get to play the full game soon, and to find out how my husband Varric is doing after the gameplay trailer. I see you acting all quiet and using him as a bait, Bioware xD

[@MrDay53]

Because a lot of those people are fans of the series too and have every right to share their opinions and bring forth their concerns. The game has been rebooted I think a couple of times so people have a right to be skeptical.

[@skdeathxlife]

Bioware is not the same company 10 years ago unfortunately I hope it's good but I have a feeling it's going to be a generic "modern" game

[@ThatFont]

Exactly. They refuse to let people enjoy the hype. I’m excited!

[@SalShears]

Bioware's not the same company, but some people actually liked these series previously and wish they would return to being good. So difficult to understand for some people apparently, instead of just slurping up everything that has a name that is recognized on it.

[@ThatFont]

@@SalShears Who asked for your opinion? I must’ve missed it.

[@ruandeswardt6106]

Getting super amped,it's going to be an epic experience😎!

[@insomnia3454]

Man fall cant come any sooner 😭 hopefully bioware will release the character creator so we can spend our time there until the game comes out

[@CesarIsaacPerez]

Sounds great!

[@SPSteve]

I'm excited about this game, I want it to be great.

[@DaoistYeashikAli]

Is David Gaider writing this one? Probably not, cause from the gameplay demo it doesn't feel like his work

[@cyberprogger8368]

I think Patrick Weekes is the only og writer that left to work on this, they even laid off Mary Kirby in 2023

[@Mohgenstein]

The modern audience is literally making this game 😂

[@bad3032]

Fire Corrine busche and give the people their franchise back

[@BlackWipeout]

To late…

[@jannecapelle_art]

why do you think shes not part of "the people"? genuine question!

[@bad3032]

@jannecapelle_art she didn't even know basic companions from previous dragone age titles.... Never worked on any RPG, and is most known for her work on the game the Sims

[@jannecapelle_art]

@@bad3032 well....i dont particularly think that makes her someone that took anything from anyone, but okay.

[@bad3032]

@jannecapelle_art you wouldn't understand someone stealing your favorite artists' paintings and then drawing over the originals and completely changing the art style and direction either right?

[@edgeontheworld8586]

The problem is much less complex than it seems, but it's no less serious for that. There are not many ways to define what is yet another blatant lack of respect for the long-time audience, the loyal fans, in favor of pleasing a perhaps less numerous but louder segment of people. Sure, we agree that the title has yet to be released and blah blah blah, things we tell ourselves not because we believe them but because we want to cling to a shred of hope, but in our hearts, we know it will almost certainly be terrible. This is simply not Dragon Age, neither in terms of setting, nor gameplay, nor mechanics. This happens when those who have made the history of a title, a company, a genre leave, and instead of finding a solution, someone completely unprepared and inadequate is put in charge, probably someone who has never even played the previous titles. Curious to understand to whom the direction of the project had been entrusted, I researched and found this name, Corinne Busche. Except for a past collaboration with The Sims as a "designer," the Simpsons game, and Tiger Woods (golf), I found nothing about her previous works, especially in the RPG field. Maybe I didn’t search carefully, but I found absolutely nothing except for this handful of modest titles that belong to a completely different world and genre. Her only words regarding her career and the work done on Dragon Age were to declare herself a transgender and queerosexual woman, which, apparently, serves as a curriculum. Followed by this: "The Dragon Age franchise has a very special place in Corinne’s heart. In part, she says, that’s because the games are all about possibility. 'In Dragon Age, you can be who you want to be, explore the possibilities and consequences of your choices, and build relationships that leave a lasting impression,' she says. 'Few games give players that kind of autonomy while also weaving such a rich narrative-I think it really speaks to why our players feel so invested in this world.' And the idea of being who you want to be carries a particularly special meaning for Corinne. 'As a queer trans woman,' she says, 'I have a perspective on the games that not everyone has. Dragon Age has long been a place where LGBTQIA+ folks can see people like themselves, represented respectfully.'" Now Mrs. Busche's concern is that every LGBTQIA person feels comfortable. Is that wrong? No. But if your ultimate goal in taking over a legendary saga and a generational video game icon is ONLY this, then yes, it is wrong. Besides maintaining a "safe" space, you should also be concerned with creating a great game, a grand title, and upholding an important legacy, and for that to happen, it means respecting the setting, the narrative, the characters, and maybe the audience that has become attached to all this. We have already had countless examples both in gaming and in cinema, where trying to launch a product simply by presenting it as "woke" and expecting it to be appreciated has turned out to be a disastrous experience. If talking about DRAGON AGE, the first thing you present to me is "oh but the LGBTQIA will feel represented," honestly, as right as it is, you are giving me a precise idea of the direction your ship is heading. Some of the most beautiful titles ever played in the RPG field, from Mass Effect to Dragon Age, have always allowed the freedom to have romances with whoever you want; it's not a novelty that she is introducing as an angel savior of the promised land, something she would know if she had played them. Such a presentation to me means: "the title will be very different and probably, since I have never played it, it will suck for its loyal fans, but it will be woke," well, great. Guys, unfortunately, this is a cultural drift where, first and foremost, the very concept of meritocracy suffers, and unfortunately, we, the audience, suffer too. With a sorrowful heart, I don’t think, for the first time in my life, that I will buy a DA at launch and will wait, maybe enjoying some good gameplay first, but I smell an infinite stink of burning.

[@Agent789_0]

I wish they’d show new footage.

[@4RedJohn]

Me too, I want to laugh at how pathetic it is ☺

[@ThatFont]

The gameplay looked extremely promising in the 20 min reveal, that’s rare for games so far from release. I can’t wait!

[@4RedJohn]

Care to elaborate what was so promising about this 1 level gameplay, which revealed that everything good and characteristic about Dragon Age gameplay was removed and replaced with Mass Effect crap? 🤭

[@ThatFont]

@@4RedJohn You’re fighting a lot of people in this comment section. Are you mad at me for having a different opinion than you?

[@4RedJohn]

@@ThatFont "Fighting"? My, it seems you're taking this way more seriously than I... 😅 So I take it you can't elaborate. That's okay, I kind of expected it. Now please, don't be bothered by me anymore, go back to the battlefield or something. 🙂

[@MelindasDR]

@@4RedJohn how does someone observing your harassment mean they’re taking you too seriously?

[@4RedJohn]

@@MelindasDR Define "harassment", because I don't think you understand what this word means. Responding to comments is harassment now? 😂

[@BelieveIt1051]

You don't start your story out at the end. That makes no sense. The whole point of Trespasser's ending was for the Inquisitor to be the one making the choice to save Solas or stop him by any means, and also to find a team of people he wouldn't see coming. Veilguard negates all of that by excluding the Inquisitor and having Varric take over, and also shoving in some new character who was picked up in a bar, whose only real contribution was helping to push down some weak scaffolding. Sounds to me like that doesn't respect previous game choices, or even current game choices, since Rook is often contradicted or overruled by companions. Next, I didn't see good storytelling through the characters in the gameplay demo. I only saw characters repeating the major plot points in the most blatant way possible through forced exposition. Varric saying Solas will tear down the veil. Harding mentioning that she's a scout when Rook reveals he doesn't know his way around his own city. Neve mentioning she has info on Solas' whereabouts. Varric repeating to her that Solas is an acient elvhen "god". Granted, it's just the demo and the start of the game, but this is the only impression we have so far. Yeah nuanced villains, not just straight up evil villains. Like what, Coryphus? And what do you call Elgar'nan and Ghillin'nain? They're now the original magisters, and supposedly corrupted with the taint. Are they going to be mindless villains bent on destroying everything? If we can't save the world without them, then I guess that means they are mandatory companions. We can't reject them or kick them out. So much for player choice. We're allowed to be suspicious of Solas, but not any of these party companions? The elven companions could be working with Solas, or could become controlled by the villains. Davrin is a Grey Warden, for example, and might be susceptible to being controlled similar to how Cory controlled the Wardens around him. Bellara might sell out to the enemy in exchange for the magic and ancient artifacts she covets. Taash is qunari, and could be ben-hassrath for all we know. How can we even trust these characters, realistically speaking from the roleplay perspective? I don't think BioWare thought this through. Followers and ancillary characters sound good. Anything to give us more companions beyond these seven. Hopefully they can become the third party member at any given time during their quest-line. Helping factions goes back to Origins. So I'm not sure what Epler is getting at here. This is nothing new, and that's fine. Dragon Age should be more like Origins. Minrathous looks like a dump. Highlighted by the swarm of rats running through the street. But even the larger buildings are just basic-looking structures. The floating Circle is just a composite of simple geometric shapes that even the PS2 could have displayed. There is nothing complex about these buildings. No intricate carvings, no complex architecture, no awe-inspiring magical constructs. It's just grey/black buildings with orange lights through fog. Nothing impressive about that. Same goes for busted up elvhen ruins with overgrow ivy and weeds. Ya know what would be consistent with magical lore? A barrier not popping in one poke from a rogue's dagger. Customizeable backgrounds beyond just factions is a good thing. The protag needs history of what came before joining a certain faction. Otherwise the character would just be generic. The problem with going on a journey with your companions instead of them going on a journey with you is, they have no reason to see you as the leader. If you're just another tag-along, then why should they listen to anything you say, or do what you want to do? And I think we saw this during the demo. Rook will suggest something and immediately be contradicted or shot down. I don't like that. Uh no, this has not shown options that give us as much choice as possible. Sometimes Rook speaks for us without any dialogue prompts. Most times Rook is countered by a companion. When Rook does get options, they are topical and have no effect on the way events unfold. Sometimes the options look the same. At worst Rook can only choose to be direct, not mean or confrontational. Like when Neve reveals that she let herself get captured intentionally, Rook has no option to call her out on it. She knew meeting with us so we could track down Solas was top priority, but she let the meeting be delayed for bad reasons. Why can't Rook point this out? Why can't he get mad? Because there is no real choice involved, at least not according to this demo. I wonder how useful character builds will be when we can't have a third party member or control our party companions. Seems like the combat will be action/melee or ranged button-mashing. I heard there was no tactical view this time either. Ehh, being inside the world requires us to be able to explore it at a leisurely pace. That isn't possible when you are being forced to run through the streets while the veil tears open and demons swarm you. At what point do we actually get to explore Minrathous, and how large is it? I don't want my companions to pick their own targets. I want to be able to focus them on the targets I want. That's the point of group combat. You tactically command your companions to focus on specific enemies first and get strats going. You don't just let them do their own thing, because that won't be effective. Excuse me? You see ALL the things Harding or Bellara are capable of? According to the GUI, we'll only get to see three things at a time. Can we at least swap out weapons and spells/abilities on the fly? Well see how it is in terms of story and gameplay. So far it looks bad on all counts.

[@mmmomiji]

Tfw for a moment you were afraid Wes’ tweet meant we’d be getting a video that wasn’t Dragon Age 🤡😂

[@MagnustheRad]

At the end there she said something I have been worried about, I'm glad to hear that companions can use abilities without player input, I would like to know more about the combat and what is possible. I always love to tweet the AI in the previous titles to maximise their effectiveness. Hopefully we can do that in this title too.

[@julilla1]

I don't want to make hasty assumptions, but it almost teased something like the Origins "Tactics" assignments that you could use to set up automatic actions. Like I used to set up Wynne with "If mage spotted then use Crushing Prison" or "If Alistair under 35% health, then heal". I have those missed that tactics assignment for sure.

[@ThatFont]

This was a setting in Mass Effect so I wonder if they’ll include that to remedy this for people who aren’t seeking full control

[@felipepenha3556]

10:43 - I really love the way this happened on Origin in the final battle, you will have only the people you spent time to help in your final fight that was great

[@nycon9927]

My question is:What if I DON'T like one of the companions? Can I K word them off early? Force them to leave my company? Antagonize them to the point of turning them hostile? Or am I forced to just "love" those characters because all the story is focused on them?

[@4RedJohn]

These are some very good questions. The way they described it feels like the companions are the real protagonists and you are their mere companion 🤣

[@Kleineganz]

You get a disapproval from Neve if you choose Harding to go with you, so they still have a companion approval system. They also said that there are some story choices that could "break your heart," so it doesn't sound like it's all sunshine and roses.

[@nycon9927]

@@Kleineganz I just hope I actually get to chose which companions I want to be friendly with and whose friendship quest I don't want to do without missing major parts of the main quest. For the approval system to actually mean something and have the consequence of someone leaving or turning hostile based on your decisions. I'm a bit concerned with how much the companions are tied to the main plot, this makes it seem you have to suck up to them constantly to advance in the main quest...

[@VectorClassMaximia]

Watching this game, its trailer and gameplay reveal gave me the vibe of Diablo Immortal reveal. Everyone so hyped, waiting for years for the game, only for the devs to reveal some mobile game garbage and straight up disrespect them with "you guys have no phones???"

[@brittanyv6594]

Corrine needs to be sent back to Sims development. She has turned Dragon Age into a goofy, cartoonish, alienating mess. Whoever hired her made a huge misstep. There is no way in HELL she was the most qualified or the most in-tune with the heart and soul of DA.

[@gabrielabalen5153]

I'm so excited for this game! I need a release date soon!!

[@liepsnele11]

So excited! Although it's strange that the game is releasing so soon - in autumn, with no release date

[@MuzMysyq]

LETSGO VEILGUARD!!!!

[@KuroiAllen]

Really excited to continue the story, carefully excited to play the game. Atm I'm not sure what to think about the gameplay. I like complex gameplay and this looks very simple for now. The devs etc. say there is complexity, but I don't really hear examples or see this. They just say it's there. This scares me a little bit because this is something we've heard with other game's over the past few years and they didn't realised it, they didn't live up to the expectations. Don't get me wrong, I want to game to succeed, I want it to live up to the expectations and blow me away. So I would absolutely love to see more battle gameplay (and less walk/cutscenes) of later in the game, even if it's just to ease the mind a bit.

[@JaimeMadd]

heck yes, let's go

[@MichaelChapmanArt]

Idk. I've seen quite a bit of hate towards the changes, but it looks like they changed everything that i didnt like about the previous games. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@MrDay53]

And for some they've taken away most of what they loved from the previous games.

[@user-ie9yt5oc4k]

@@MrDay53What’s that?

[@MrDay53]

@@user-ie9yt5oc4k The deeper tactics system, the tactical camera, being able to control and micromanage your companions in combat, more in depth rpg mechanics like managing your character and companions attributes, skills, and abilities, and more dialogue choices that have more meaningful impact on the world and how npcs react to those choices you make.

[@user-ie9yt5oc4k]

@@MrDay53 So you used the stuff nobody else did. Whatever. The dialogue and NPC reaction never left though, I don’t know where you got that copium but can I get your dealer’s handle?

[@MetthewLellewell]

@@user-ie9yt5oc4k If nobody else cared about this stuff, why is there an outrage? 😀

[@davionknight7355]

I am hype for this game!

[@seriphim123]

I could not be more thrilled to play this. I love the way they’re moving towards a mass effect gameplay approach. It looks, thus far, that EA let BioWare do what works for them.

[@4RedJohn]

I wanted to play Dragon Age game, not Mass Effect crap 🙂

[@user-ie9yt5oc4k]

@@4RedJohnThen play Dragon Age

[@4RedJohn]

@@user-ie9yt5oc4k Oh, I will, watching Bioware's fall with a smile 🙂

[@user-ie9yt5oc4k]

@@4RedJohn That’s a long-winded way of saying “I’ll cope harder” lol

[@maryr.4397]

I try to be positive, but the fact they emphasize so many times it's all about "characters, companions, their agency, we travel with them and get to know them" (as if... we didn't do that in previous games too?? Hmm?) and then you're forced to take only two of them with you in missions, à la mass effect, sounds like a joke. The beauty of past interactions in past entries was also in the random banter they'd trigger in the world... Not just in the "hub" area.

[@tariqueisso]

I want to play it so badly 🫨🫨

[@KansaiNoRyu]

"this is the onet" etc etc, we get it. I have 0 faith in bioware anymore, we'll see I guess, but I am not hopeful at all. Too much of "this is something more, this is going to be the next amazing thing" type bs. This and the next mass effect is the last chance for bioware to show they still know what theyre doing or if its just over for them

[@darknight-1822]

So go in with an open mind and give it a chance. Because likely will be the last if we don't.

[@ChrisDeebo]

I swear Bioware loves to tell but never show, I truly hate how they promote their games

[@Supadrumma441]

Yep a whole bunch of blathering on telling us nothing new. Talk is cheap with EA owned game companies.

[@King_Cosmic]

A bit odd that there was no new footage.

[@4RedJohn]

Damage control. They surely were not prepared for the majorly negative reception.

[@imrekis-farago6143]

I don't have a problem with the twists and turns of the story, but much more with the gameplay. For a long time, I didn't understand why you couldn't lead the whole team into battle. Because the main character is so tough that he grinds down the entire enemy army with a few companions? I think this is bullshit. We are recruiting them precisely because we need them in the coming battles. In the older parts, it was forgivable that the technology was not there yet. And now what do we get? We can't even take as many companions with us as we used to. I think this is a step backwards and I hope they don't make this mistake in the next part of Mass Effect. After all, even there, it would have been possible to assemble an effective squad from the old companions. There were muscular people on the front line, strong in stealth characters for scouting, snipers for cover, technical geniuses for hacking or repair. I even had a doctor among them in case someone was injured. With a couple of strategic formations, it could be quite a good little game. I really hope that in Mass Effect they will not follow the path of Dragon Age with the gameplay.

[@Zibbit27]

"Get back to our roots of character driven storys" Then what the heck has the entirety of the Dragon Age franchise been about? Feels like these clueless new bloods trying to make it "theirs" whilst not respecing while it got big in the first place and basically pissing all over it. Not happy about it.

[@icescorpion6189]

He said that in reference to their latest game, Anthem, not being 'character driven'. I asked him.

[@vardur]

Bold of them to use a darkspawn as a spokesthing.

[@AdmiralElite]

Three skill moves so one less than DAI multiplayer ? Uhm they do know that was the number one complaint about DAI right ? I can’t wait to do the same Three skill moves for 100 + hours 😂😅

[@Knight1029]

I love this. This is simply amazing. I love the insight. I love the thought put into this game. And I love the passion. I am so excited for the next game.

[@AngelWings1960]

Everything looks/sounds good! Can’t wait for pre-orders!!!

[@4RedJohn]

You gotta update your bot comments, bro. Most of them upgraded already to look more real and say "bUt ReMeMbEr No PrEoRdErS" 😂

[@user-ie9yt5oc4k]

@@4RedJohnI’m certain all of your comments on this channel are under this one video. I can tell what kind of person you are by that alone.

[@4RedJohn]

@@user-ie9yt5oc4k I'm literally posting videos on my channel, but keep coping. 🤣

[@Fenristripplex]

Don't preorder.

[@Smutty_writer]

Don't order this crap at all...

[@Greyhare974]

I'll raise you one better. don't buy

[@ElOsoMarino]

Having Mark involved gives me a bit of confidence, please let this game be good

[@afrikah8333]

My heart is with you bioware. I can't wait to play Veilguard. All the best ❤

[@nyxal56]

"Each faction has a follower as well as an ancillary character we're calling agents who exist as the face of the faction." Couldn't be more excited. The potential here is high.

[@haelimEJM]

I'm just dying to discover the CC, and above all else, the ranges of choices we will be able to make from previous games. They talked about a phase in character creation like "Previously in Dragon Age", but I want to know how much choices will count. Because we have now three previous games with a lot of big choices that has to matter. If it's only 4 or 5 choices from Inquisition and that's it, I'm gonna be pissed. I think a lot of choices from previous games should at least be referenced, like in Codexes or banters. Who is King of Ferelden ? And Orzammar ? Did the Warden died ? Does Kieran exist and did he have an Old God soul ? Who drank from the Well ? Did Shale survives and goes to Tevinter ? Who was supported during the Mage-Templar War ? We need to have a whole bunch of references because otherwise it's like this world building, those previous games, the state of the world we spent three games to build, don"t matters...

[@rickc-arelsii6276]

I'd like a deep dive into the character creator and game play at later stages. I'm starting to get splinters in me arse from the amount of fence sitting I've been doing on this title.

[@scratchbone1092]

Please release the Character Creator early and let us our part of the marketing for the game. Look at Dragon's Dohma 2. That move helped the game immensily and the game itself isn't even as good or complex as Dragon Age. You gotta see that this is not a wrong move in any way, it will just drive up interest, hype and sales. So excited to jump back into Dragon Age. Best of luck and may the game be great!

[@polgielle4339]

So many reasons to be excited for this game! We can hear the care and passion the devs put into it. Can't wait to meet the new companions and go on adventure in all those places with them!

[@4RedJohn]

Passion? In these buzzwords and corporate word salad about DEI? 🤣

[@polgielle4339]

@@4RedJohn There's body langage and the way some stuff are phrased, but also I don't base myself only on this video to say that. Also, you know, they are doing their job, and it's not because there is marketed content that there can't be passion. Especially in such a professional area as culture/video games.

[@4RedJohn]

@@polgielle4339 I'm afraid you're seeing things, dear.

[@polgielle4339]

@@4RedJohn perhaps you should care about your bile more than about my eyes. :)

[@4RedJohn]

​@@polgielle4339 Calling out nonsensical positivity is how I cope with the loss of my favorite franchise caused by an incompetent diversity hire 😄

[@afroman5160]

This is cool and all but we should be seeing more higher level gameplay for example. Like maybe some higher level warrior gameplay. Saying that I am excited for this.

[@Supadrumma441]

I would like to see some specialization gameplay. Particularly the spellblade for mage.

[@slurpy-f3k]

Early level gameplay was such a bad idea…it has no chance to actually give the combat justice. I’m a fan of the action-oriented combat but the level choice was such a missed opportunity.

[@Supadrumma441]

​@@slurpy-f3k Yes showing level 1 gameplay was a mistake. Nothing shown in that gameplay trailer looked like anything I haven't seen before.

[@afroman5160]

@@slurpy-f3k True I'm sure we will get higher lv gameplay soon though.

[@wezacker6482]

I'll be a day 1 player. DA hasn't had a miss yet.

[@TheTomoyaNagase]

except DA 2 and DA:I and the DLCs for those two

[@kyrajager907]

Looking forward to explore Thedas again

[@sufianahmat5334]

Less talk more gameplay, snap snap

[@Smutty_writer]

I love Dragon Age games so much, but these changes are just too much for me... Sorry, but not this time.