Veilguard's TERRIBLE Marketing - How they Killed Deserved Hype | Dragon Age

Today we talk about a divisive topic. Why Veilguard has received such a negative outlook that it may or may not deserve.
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[@christiankaiser3885]

I have been telling people this for 3 months, and yet they all just tell me I'm "Not a real fan" and that "It's not what Dragon Age is about". Dragon Age Origins was a spiritual successor to Baldurs Gate 1 and 2. So why dont they show us the open ended nature of the game (As in Choices and Consequences), to appease old fans of the Franchise. Instead they have chosen to focus on: Companion Romance Pet animals Action gameplay Hair physics Linear mission structure And they have talked a bunch about what they have cut from the game, from previous titles in the franchise (Like being Evil and Tactical combat). The only things they have shown and talked about, that gets me a little excited, is the different places you can visit in the game, and that there's more focus on handcrafted quests, than in Inquisition.

[@Dantics]

You are valid, I see you. Like me, you'll enjoy aspects and miss others. But we are used to making sacrifices for others, right?

[@christiankaiser3885]

@@Dantics Yeah. If people will love this game, I'm happy for them, even if I dont.

[@ColaDad]

As much as I hate to say it, but they can't show you what isn't there...

[@F3nres]

@@Danticsthey ask me to sacrifice more each game while not offering enough to make up for it.

[@r.e.z9428]

@@DanticsIts just Andromeda again but with a Dragon Age skin and Hair physics. I have low expectations for the writing, which is what I care about the most honestly. Even with the (MyFaceIsTired) character models and 8-head qunari, id probably be less critical if I knew the writing was going to be solid. I wish David was back leading the team, but I get why he left.

[@proteuswest1084]

I definitely fall into the more hardcore fanbase. I've been playing since Origins, and I'm over 40, but I will say that at no point was I worried about the game. Dragon Age pretty much changes their art style, their combat, and their protagonist in every single entry. My general read on the initial companion trailer is that it was just Varric being Varric, it was fun in the way Dragon Age often is, and it was serviceable to introduce us to the companions. They probably would have been better off showing the gameplay from the start, because there is so much weeping and gnashing of teeth over that one trailer. As for the initial 20 minute gameplay trailer, I didn't care much about the combat there, personally. It definitely set the stakes for the story, and I think watching some reactivity to your background, some interaction with Solas, and some decisions was more than enough to make me feel like it was Dragon Age. The tone was very appropriate for Dragon Age, I enjoyed it a lot. I think everyone wants to see all the choices, but this is a hard game to show off without people feeling like they're getting spoiled on story points. BioWare has showed us a lot since then, both on their blogs, through Game Informer, through IGN, through Q&A's, and I generally think that there are things that aren't perfect, but in general, I think IGN has done a decent enough job. The 22 minute video had a lot of good stuff in it. I wasn't worried about a player character Qunari, and I agree it wasn't the best showcase of mage combat, but I was impressed with the environments, the lighthouse, and the maps seemed to allow for a lot of exploration beyond the linear stuff they showed before that. The recent hands-on preview from IGN is probably the most effective piece of marketing to this point, but with content creators adding their two cents in today after the embargo lifts, I am interested to see how that changes the conversation.

[@KnoxShadow]

This is exactly how I felt about everything and I was only 11 when origins came out it still played the rest of the games because I love the franchise a lot even though not Every hard-core fan ride the same wave length. But I do know that I ride this one because your comment has made the rest of my week Thank you

[@Dantics]

I'm very glad you've not been worried at any point. No doubt you'll enjoy this game. I agree, though IGN are the only ones able to push. Just wait until the rest of the previews drop and we shall see if they're still as effective.

[@proteuswest1084]

@@Dantics The way IGN is positioned, they can reach a lot of folks, which is good. I think content creators probably have more trust with their audience and will do a lot more to hype up the game than anything IGN can do. I think it’s interesting that IGN didn’t drop character creator info ahead of today, since I know that’s something that the community has a lot of interest in, and something that content creators should be able to show. I wonder if IGN had a similar embargo on that.

[@ethanholt2455]

This exactly. I see people on both sides yelling. And I'm just sitting here waiting to see for myself. Very objective and well thought out opinion

[@SlideIX]

A lot of valid points made (especially the “trailer” part) but the fact is it is so mismanaged and the change of design shows a extreme lack of understanding from the developers (they didn’t even know who Zevran was for gods sake). I’m not saying what they are doing is completely bad but I do think it is bad for dragon age as a franchise, they should have done this with a completely different and new ip instead.

[@ColaDad]

wait wait wait, where did they say they don't know who Zevran is? Isn't one of the companions an Antivan crow? Fuck you mean WHO Zevran is?

[@moonchild-299]

@@ColaDadthey played Kiss, Marry and Kill or whatever it is called (it's on KZbin) and only one or two people knew who he was. The interviewers didn't even know who he was which was super embarrassing.

[@pandabers]

tbf those that didn't know was an acting lead or something, not narrative. both John and Corrine knew. but i agree that they may not understand what's expected of them lol. like they deliberately wanted to make a trailer without Solas when the game is about Solas, and people want Solas. lmao

[@ColaDad]

@@moonchild-299 Oh fuck... Here dies the hope of a Zevran cameo in Antiva

[@maxvegas5423]

Maybe the most mismanaged franchise since HALO 😐

[@ninver6887]

I challenge you with DnD

[@Lievan]

Nah but do better since you seem to know something like this.

[@xavierhouston4650]

Mortal Kombat

[@wolfmcknight3043]

As a matter of fact the devs did not even remember zevran. I mean come on.

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

I def didn’t care for that guy all that much and I played origins when I was young

[@teyrncousland7152]

@@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439Then you aren’t really a Dragon Age fan.

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

@@teyrncousland7152 well I did it when I was like 12 got to to the fade part was difficult gave up came to it later in life best the game had everyone but zevran in my party but zevran still didn’t know who in the underworld that was came back a third time later found out who we was calling me not a real fan is so far from the truth it sounds conservative

[@wolfmcknight3043]

Here the thing you may not remember who he was but the devs who are making the game need to know or at least should know. It's not about liberal or conservative it's about making a good game. A game that sticks to its roots, not uproots them and ignore its fan base. I don't care that the characters can sleep with anyone. That is not important but they make it a headline of an article makes most people feel as if it is being shoved down their throat.

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

@@wolfmcknight3043 it’s def not being shoved down my throat I look for this kinda stuff but saying it’s not like origins at any point when we see how the scenery looks how we’re saving the world yet again because some dumbass couldn’t keep his ego in check and almost destroyed the world cuz of it sure it’s not origins but I don’t wear those rose tinted glasses when it comes to origins I go back to that game once a year but I also do the same for inquisition or da2 they’re all great to me in they’re own right the inclusivity adds more of a factor to Me why I like them so much at this Point in my life I’m a liberal cuz I care and many may call that weak but with dav it feels we are in origins again a bit and know that may seek Like a hot take

[@hugofourie1193]

Your trailer as is, even with the text prompts, is still better than the reveal trailer.

[@Dantics]

I kind of wish I put more effort in now.. didn't realise people would vibe with it.

[@theesper7404]

What would be cool is if there was a whole story line being the bad guy and siding with solas and fighting the ones who would have been your companions. Kinda like the darkspawn storyline you could play in origins but more expansive 🤔

[@Dantics]

I'd love that. Though my man Solas isn't bad, just misunderstood 😁

[@christiankaiser3885]

They have already said that they want the player to be the hero, and not a villain, when asked if Blood magic would return.

[@saddestcat]

I did preorder this game. I’m a huge dragon age fan, and I’m skeptical, however today is the 19th I’m looking forward to hearing lots of thoughts and opinions from people who aren’t ign.

[@beccangavin]

Dang. They should have hired you to do the concept for the commercial.

[@Dantics]

Thank you! I doubt I would do any better put in the same situation, maybe they had tight deadlines. The game did deserve a better reveal though.

[@ronanfel8191]

They DID hire him, just to fluff this garbage up.

[@Dantics]

@@ronanfel8191 I'm guessing you didnt see the thousands of positive previews that launched 5 hours ago ;)

[@behtash786]

Compression? What does it have to do with compression? Dude the characters dont have textures. I watch BG3 videos on KZbin in 360p and characters and npcs still look good! Compression he says 😒

[@Dantics]

Look at my thumbnail. The texture on his face

[@behtash786]

​@Dantics I don't know man, something is just off about the faces, to my eyes it's like the textures haven't loaded yet; hope they fix it

[@mytotim8978]

For my perspective Dragon Age has degenerated to a generic fantasy game, with casual and boring gameplay. They miss the classic things, like blood magic, but put necromancy in a cartoony way, and somehow they are presented as good guys. The fear of magic and the prejudices against them in the prior games vanished like smoke in the wind. All classes seems to be completely magical, which damage the lore, and the story, characters and care for the lore seems to be the lowest of all the games in the saga. A mid game at best, that even if it is not bad, lacks much of what i expected of a dragon age game.

[@breendart134]

Yeah, I am worried for the worldbuilding. For one thing, seems like no mechanical effects from race (oh, sorry, lineage now). For another, like you said, everyone seems to be magicking it up some. It waters down unique, important features of Thedas, features that separate it from other settings. Even if those features often involve unpleasant topics and mature, dark material. It's like we can't have anything uncomfortable in fiction at all.

[@OriginsDragon]

I have been a fan since Origins, even Inquisitions npc looks so much better, hopefully the story is good.

[@Dantics]

I hope so too, but from what I've seen - it is!

[@BigRed40TECH]

The art style just doesn't fit the narrative tone I've expected from Dragon Age. From the environments, to the NPCs, including villains, this entire thing feels like it's taken such a wrong direction I can't even get into it. When I saw the side by side of Morrigan from DA:I and Morrigan's reveal in DA:V, I realized just how far off this is. That alone, before the combat shown, which is filled with way too much visual noise, has just killed this for me. I've been a Dragon Age Fan since origins, love the franchise, the lore, the characters... but this game genuinely looks repulsive. Even watching this video has been me trying to hope I can find something I like about it, and I just can't. Oh well. I don't have much time for games anymore anyway :\

[@jeremylarochelle8423]

It's sad that you get so deeply affected by an art style

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@jeremylarochelle8423 If something is ugly, offputting, and out of place, then it's very much something that's hard to enjoy something built around it.

[@linitie4898]

@@BigRed40TECH you will buy it day one bro like us.

[@Coffeequest865]

@@jeremylarochelle8423it’s sad one opinion triggered you enough to comment.

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@linitie4898 I'm pretty doubtful fo that.

[@arinzeujubuonu2529]

Thank you, Dantics, for your balanced coverage, and I prefer your self-described half-effort reveal trailer to the original one. Thank you again.

[@Dantics]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's hard to see both sides because it's very loud out here.

[@hossburger12]

It was over when Gaider left writing.

[@averagelok1959]

They took away all my abilities, my companions, my control, and my artstyle it aint good

[@TheInterestRates]

Despite the marketing & title change, I'm still excited for The Veilguard. I've been a fan since Dragon Age's inception, and too invested in the lore & stories and where else it could go. It's just a shame this game is receiving such overexaggerated backlash for culture war reasons, instead of level-headed concerns (which some are & I share them!). I hope more people will give it a chance when it's released. You never know. You may end up liking it. Love your work Dantics.

[@Dantics]

That's how I feel. Put the war aside and take a proper look. Thats all.

[@nashdash6404]

Too expensive for "You never know. You may end up liking it".

[@TheInterestRates]

@@nashdash6404 That's fair enough.

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

I can work with this I’m s huge fan of all dragon age games I don’t really have a desire to think negatively on it with everything going on in the world right now I just wanna be positive

[@silverxb2593]

it went from Dragon Age, to Aged Diversity. Being 24 years old and white. There isnt a single character I want to romance in this game. I'm given the options that looks like a school lunch lady in scout harding, a quanari that looks terribly designed, a quirky mage that feels like Awkwafina, and a mom vibe neve. They appeal to 35 year olds that read spicy books instead of 18 to 27 year olds that make up 90% of playerbases for M rated games. These damn developers and managers appeal to themselves instead of the players.

[@silverxb2593]

Romance isn't even the main issue, these "companions" that the game forces you to be around and do THEIR stories are just not characters that young adults give a F about.

[@GazingTrandoshan]

@@silverxb2593 Schizo rambling about dei to yourself should tell you a lot about yourself

[@Dantics]

I'm 36 and not white, mate. There isn't a single character I want to romance either.

[@archangel11235]

Idk man think the game is still a problem. Choices about the game like only controlling one person, going more action than strategy, the art style being cartoon even in gameplay, less bloody and taking away the blood mage when we go to tevintor. They are alienating their current fans to attract more people but it doesn't look good enough for those players compared to other games that this game is encroaching on

[@zukuu]

The worst and most anti-hype thing they have done is the 'gameplay reveal' showcase and then spend like 12 minutes showing a frigging LEVEL 1 character with a single ability and no combos spamming the same single skill again and again. What were they thinking?!

[@PoDawg]

The most consistent thing with the Dragon Age series is how inconsistent it is most of the time.

[@pandabers]

what you mean you don't love nonrepresentative CGI trailer, 5head qunari, that bad mage gameplay demo, and tell don't show marketing? duude agree so hard like it seems they're intentionally trying to market this in the worst way Mark Darrah said the initial trailer is his favorite trailer, and like... I don't know what to say to that.

[@Dantics]

Did he? Really?? Come on Mark.

[@pandabers]

@@Dantics yep! it's on his stream of the xbox reveal kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6SodqyaqdeBjpI maybe once we get to know the characters, we can relate? but as a reveal trailer, it so missed the mark, to put it lightly

[@azatheeverchosen7615]

Mfw when people reply to my skepticism for Veilguard and saying that most of BioWare's old writers are gone by quoting Mark Darrah and insisting I just believe in him:

[@johndeighan2495]

I can believe it’s a good game, but I struggle to believe it’s a great game. In either case, I’m just not feeling it. It comes down to the issues you mentioned: it’s cartoony, it’s soft, it has boring mobile-game style combat and (maybe worst of all) it has a chronic lack of badass vibes. That’s what I’m seeing.

[@marcomongke3116]

Some of our hate and criticism come from immense love for the original games. The past decades have been nothing but censorships, accusations, and bans if we original fans were critical of anything. It's easy to get carried away with rage. For the sake of Bioware and your words, I should atleast try to stay silent until the game releases and see for myself. Hopefully, i am wrong in my negative suspicions.

[@steffen89able]

I haven’t played it. I would consider myself a diehard fan. I don’t think it looks good, it looks really mid. The writing seems CW, there’s a hint of “modern audiences” in every frame, and what they did to the Qunari… Also there seems to be a subset of KZbinrs who are really “trust me bro, it’s great” No I don’t think i will trust you.

[@Dantics]

You should only trust your self mate. When you get some more indepth previews, you'll know how you feel

[@chicken1456]

What about of dialogue have you heard makes it feel like it’s CW level? Like please give me an example? Whatcha mean modern lemme guess woke?

[@steffen89able]

@@Dantics I wasn’t specifically referring to you, but there is an abundance of KZbinrs who always try to slant their feedback as positive, or outright ignore their negative opinions on games. Which is fine, you do you. But as a viewer that makes the video pretty useless. Maybe not to the developers as they get free marketing.

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

@@chicken1456it doesn’t seem at all cw and I love Most Of the cw shows that come out now so idk where he’s getting that at

[@gungermunggung9299]

The massive hate this is getting is making me feel like I’m taking crazy pills. I think it looks promising. I don’t understand people who are disappointed it isn’t a CRPG. How could you have possibly expected it to be a CRPG after DA2 and DAI? There are so many great CRPGs out there to play these days and ironically not many action RPGs like Veilguard. Sure there are soulslikes, but it’s unusual in how it’s leaning into the power fantasy or the level of character and class customisation. It looks good. I think a lot of hate is also coming simply from the fact that it signals “woke”, and I’m so tired of the culture war garbage. BioWare games have always been pretty socially progressive, it’s a big part of their DNA, so I don’t see the disingenuous corporate pandering that many are trying to ascribe to them. Lastly, it might not be BG3 but that does not a bad game make. Good lord.

[@Dantics]

I think it's a culmination of a lot of factors. I have a front row seat to it all and let me just say, ignore it and like what you like. "Let them fight".

[@ev0keClan]

Im a casual gamer and decide mostly on game content and the absence of micro transactions if i buy a game. What was presented me in trailers and gameplay does not touch me from an emotional standpoint. Usually i would say the content of this game would make it a buy for me but the presenzation lacks what is important for me as customer. Show size, show story show how much content it has and tell people tjat thete is no battle pass.

[@CaitSith87]

Igns coverage of dragons dogma was even worse. And the journalist became even angry when people said he played awful.

[@Dantics]

Oh I remember that. I was one of the videos that said he played bad. Whoops 🤭

[@Silversmith70]

I played DA Inquisition a couple months ago. I really like it! You could push the overhead map pad and go into turn based combat, they don't have that in this game? I mainly used it when I was getting my butt beat but it was a cool way to learn the NPC's abilities.

[@hugofourie1193]

I will miss the ability to have that bird's eye view and move my party around strategically.

[@Dantics]

You can pause but no overhead camera unfortunately.

[@Tentacl]

Character design itself killed hype. They keep trying to push away old players and find the "modern audience". Well, they got the first part.

[@noctoi]

Yep. Every interview with the dev team has made it abundantly clear they don't want me as a customer... Fine. We have Dragon Age's 'spiritual successor' that I'm still thoroughly wrapped up in, and ME's "spiritual Successor" in development by the OG BioWare team. Bioware proudly states they don't need me, well I'm pretty sure I don't need BioWare either... 🤷

[@sebastianearick4488]

I'm a "3 strikes and you're out" kinda guy. I've given Bugthesda and Ubislop each 3 chances and they've squandered all of them. Bioware has 2 strikes from Andromeda and Anthem and I'm hoping that this won't be the 3rd. I'm cautiously optimistic about this game so please Bioware, don't mess this up. Also I still think the "the" in the title is unnecessary. It doesn't need to be there.

[@hugofourie1193]

"Bugthesda and Ubislop"... first time hearing those references. Nice

[@Dantics]

I just call it Veilguard if you haven't noticed. The 'the' doesn't roll off the tongue like I would want.

[@Ser-Lusacan]

I really push Andromeda and anthem's failure is because of the frostbite engine

[@Ser-Lusacan]

​@@Danticsagreed but I'm still sticking with dreadwolf

[@anonvoila4883]

Hmmm. What was wrong with the Inquisition design? I would have even been okay dA2.

[@eestiny9734]

Love the audio montage... (hope they see ur post) But the image is still... very vaporous!😅🤣 And the face still tired!

[@wolfmcknight3043]

Try all you want to paint this in a good light it is still not dragon age, a die hard fan that you claim to be would know better.

[@LaenayaSathe]

Personally i think the marketing has been decent. Where it disconnected is that fans of the series are not a united whole and theyre gamers sick of the gaming industry ruining their favorite games. So when Biowars first trailer wasnt 100% their expectations they instantly hated it and have been resentful since. It is easy to do too, because Bioware, beloved for its two big main franchises, dropped the ball on Andromeda and then Anthem at a time when the rash of unforgivably unfinished games from big studios was becoming a thing. So here we are looking at something that doesnt look, feel or sound like the DA they know and love so it must be bad and eill hurt them so they hate it. People like this hated Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy. They hated FF7 Remake. Etc. Truth is, we wont know until we get raw unedited footage of gameplay from youtubers who arent being paid a sponsorship whether the gane actually looks good or not because the marketing has only been decent. Compare this to Exodus, which isnt even out and barely has any content shiwn, but theyre marketing with an excellent heartfelt cinematic trailer that grabs your interest and i vests you quickly. They have also said enough in small interviews to convey a very clear vision for the main gimmick and format of the game. Im already hyped and its just getting started. Whatever your feelings are, in these tough times, save your money til you see the footage and like it!!

[@urazz7739]

Yeah, the characters definitely look more animated than they do realistic like they did in the past in previous entries to Dragon Age. The Qunari themselves look like a joke in my opinion. I think the big thing is that Bioware decided to make the game more like Mass Effect and people don't like that. I love Mass Effect, but I played Dragon Age for different reasons and don't need another action game. Big thing is that I'm definitely not getting this game on day 1. Bioware burned up all goodwill with the release of Anthem and hearing how bungled the development that game was, I decided they are not to be trusted.

[@r.e.z9428]

They also burned goodwill with Andromeda, which is what Veilguard looks like, Dragon Age : Andromeda. Though Andromeda at least gave you more options mechanically while Veilguard is cutting away.

[@mismismism]

Everything they've shown makes it worse. It reads like a Pixar movie, the cartoony art style, the aggressively colorful UI and markers everywhere, the combat is just flashiness over substance and it goes against the lore, all the classes are using full on anime style magic and none of it reads like dark fantasy. It looks like they played Genshin Impact and said "Make it like that". DA2 is the least popular entry but for some reason they basically did that all over again but with this Disney style on top and want to act surprised most people hate it. All the claims with no fottage to back it up. It looks so uninspired and generic.

[@waynefoster7246]

I've removed this from wishlist, it just comes across as a way romance novel and it's all about shacking up with all your companions, rogue and warrior look good, mage not so good, it's supposed to be dark and gritty, take the grey warden start in origins, I'm now terrified for mass effect as its one of my favourite ip with origins

[@chicken1456]

It’s still dark and gritty, that was literally explained in previous gameplay video.

[@Safiyahalishah]

​@@chicken1456 If it's dark and gritty then the art style is going to really take me out of it lol

[@Dantics]

Yeh I don't feel it's going to be for everyone

[@christiankaiser3885]

Dragon Age: Danielle Steel Edition. lol

[@namelessone9941]

Well for mass effect one, we already saw what happened with andromeda right Or are you perhaps looking for Andromeda 2?

[@loreofmetalenthusiast]

I'm willing to give the game a chance. I'll wait for a few trustworthy KZbinrs to properly review it first though.

[@1977Yakko]

Hopefully the game story lives up but visually the game lacks the darkness and gritiness of Origins which remains my favorite DA game and the one I replayed the most.

[@Kelshando]

For a modern audience.. ya because thats worked so well with movies and other games ...

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

Well from what I hear a lot of queer themed things got a lotta money out of it like heart stopper and many others

[@Kelshando]

@@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439 what you hear and reality are to different things.

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

@@Kelshando if it’s about what I hear and what reality I’ll def watch heart stopper for you saying that since it seems like My opinion holds no water with you

[@Kelshando]

@@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439 opinion and your feelings don't matter to facts kiddo.

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

@@Kelshando opinions don’t last but feelings do boomer

[@Denzyn_]

I was genuinely baffled by the first gameplay reveal showcasing lvl 1 combat

[@iplaybose]

I hope it flops like Concord, they added DEI again, all DEI games must and will flop, its a necessary thing

[@xavierhouston4650]

Absolutely. I’m tired of my favorite games becoming another MK1.😢

[@Mr-Weeb33]

The art style is what decides what game im gonna play and this game just isnt it. Every npc i saw just looks so soft and the horrific enemies i loved from Origins and DA2 are no where to be found. It hurts to see this but i guess ill just accept that im not part of the target audience anymore...😞

[@Funky-Joe]

Bruh its just a art style change.

[@Rell.from.hideout]

So if black myth wukong had the exact gameplay you would play it if the art style was a bit different ?

[@Dantics]

This is a reasonable comment guys. Art style is important. If it doesn't immerse you the game won't be as enjoyable for you. He isn't saying the game is bad, he is saying he doesn't like an aspect.

[@RhinoUlanti-ks8qr]

I’m interested, but still wiffle waffling about pre order. Loved the dragon age games. But wary as ME Andromeda was a let down and as you said the marketing and certain character creator choices like qunari foreheads are making me hesitate

[@KaboomsGambit]

Will we be getting your hands on review?

[@Dantics]

Absolutely

[@Makoto03]

Dragon Age Veilguard looks more fun than intial trailer made me think. Though i still think the companions all look pretty lame. Neve is the only remotely attractive one in the group. And she pales in comparison to Morrigan or even Cassandra, imo.

[@Dantics]

I agree with you. The female companions are a bit meh - where as they had a team making sure Lucanias was as hot as possible for those into men

[@hern7213]

Lets face it, the game doesn't invencivise buying or playing.

[@hodgepodgesquareface8728]

I don't have much hope for it. Mainly because barely anyone who worked on the other Dragon Ages, worked on this one... That and the vibe is just off, it looks like a mobile game.

[@mkapidzic6408]

they killed the hype by making a mobile game da with extreme amounts of propaganda in it

[@dizzyMongoose]

I think IGN might get a pass on the Qunari forehead guy. I was under the impression that they weren't the ones playing the game for that preview, i.e., it was a dev demo. (Their video compression is still bad though.) The purple-haired elf woman from their later hands-on impression is the character the IGN reporter made herself.

[@gorogs]

I am generally on the "let's just enjoy" camp but when I saw your fake trailer and it was so astronomically better and more epic than any of the official marketing, even with no real effort and limited footage/voice lines to use, that honestly made me laugh out loud a bit. It's SO true that they mismanaged it. It's SO true about the IGN embargo thing having done so much more harm than good. I still personally like the artstyle, I think it's a natural progression from the previous games and don't think it detracts from the world's vibe, I also think the purple isn't really a problem (since the fade and magic are a big part of the story) as much as the fact that it's so bright and neon. The Qunari looking like Cereans is my only real complaint. I also think people compare everything to Origins too much; It's a great game, but it was 15 years ago. People threw tantrums about both DA2 and DAI when they came out, at this point I feel like Origins doesn't represent the franchise as a whole. For me, the difficult choices, the moral complexity and the varied characters were always the highlight, rather than the drab colored UI and blood splatter. Still, everyone's got a right to express their opinion, and I am still going to wait to see reviews before buying it cause I do not trust EA with anything.

[@Strike-w6k]

@@gorogs how can you enjoy shit?

[@gorogs]

@@Strike-w6k Game's not even out yet, I won't judge until I've seen it. People also said Inquisition would be/is shit, and yet it's my favorite of the 3 games. Everyone enjoys different things

[@Strike-w6k]

@@gorogs we have seen a lot from veilguard. We've seen enough.

[@ggx7905]

​@@Strike-w6knot everyone is you stop being a fking Party pooper.

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

Maybe the first comment I’ve seen that doesn’t dick ride origins sure I love origins but I don’t want each incarnation of the dragon age to be another origins that’s why I love this franchise so much is cuz every game it’s a new story with different themes like with da2 it was politics against mages and templars inquisition it was politics with mages and templates but finally finishing out then we went to the freaking palace to stop an assassination how freaking cool was that now we’re Saving our world before it’s consumed by the world solas created

[@johngray3449]

DEI infected... wish you could change the game to what you want characters to be.

[@Necromass-v1o]

I actually like how the woketards are making the games they want.

[@bladeking1231]

Your not wrong I pre order after seeing the higher lvl class gameplay thinking that it’s gonna at least be fun then the very next day all I see is how we have tops surgery scars which this is a medieval fantasy game why do they have the knowledge of a modern day surgery that would serve no purpose in medieval society society and how they have the first non binary character and then I just feel like I wasted my money

[@Clermo]

No darkness, no soul. Origins was more of dark fantasy and inquisition was high fantasy, though I like to think inquisition is especially about hope. But this? It will suck

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

That’s what everyone said about inquisition but it turned out amazing than it should be

[@Clermo]

@@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439 you say that but people were talking badly about mass effect Andromeda before it came out. They were right. Remember Anthem too? You can say those are different games but I say it's from one studio

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

@@Clermo I never cared enough to play andromeda or anthem that’s why inquisition was a certain exception because from what I hear both those games didn’t do well but I never actually played so I can’t have an opinion on those but I’ve played inquisition made 10 characters completed the game on 5 of them and I still really enjoy inquisition and all you want me to feel is wow it’s so bad so I must absolutely hate the franchise in its entirety cuz that means my opinion of da games is valid

[@Clermo]

@@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439 all I'm saying is that game doesn't look good especially compared to inquisition. Inquisition is a pretty good game but veil guard? Characters are already bad from first minutes of seeing them, combat is more of mass effect speed, not dragon age and enemies just look so...cartoon like. Final thing is, you may not have opinion about the games I said but they were complete failure. What's the chance it won't happen for the third time?

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

@@Clermo at the end of the day the world we live in is immensely cruel and even a glimmer of positivity is enough for me if we always hold that something always gonna be bad then it will be it’s basically a forced a placebo effect but I get you mean I def tried andromeda couldn’t get into it tried playing mass effected legendary got through half of the game then got bored because adhd and everything but in inquisition at first I didn’t get into it but the 2nd time I was hooked I even learned how to mod it on pc been trying to play origins on pc but it’s laggy as fuck and doesn’t have controller support so it’s immensely painful to play trying to play it but going back to it on the Xbox series x is gonna be painful but I’m looking forward to sorry went on a tangent what I mean is I kind of agree in the sense like destiny I loved that game for years and where it’s at now my love for it died

[@Ponder557]

The trailers shown I think of ripping off a bandaid. They let you know very quickly that this is going to be different. As we get closer to the launch date, I feel trailers will get better. The hype will be better once all the divisive changes are shown and explored. I'm sure if it had the same gameplay and world as Inquisition they would have done the build up a lot different.

[@snorkman2]

Lets call it as we see it, Dragon Age has been neutered! the balls have been removed and neatly stitched up! All traces of masculinity have been eliminated. A bold strategy Cotton, let's see if it pays off.

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

The environments and sets look wonderful but the character and monster aesthetics, hair aside, are just poor. It's like they intentionally trolled the male gaze. "No fun for you Origins fans!". Then they doubled down on Origins fan trolling, took the third companion away, took the tactical screen away, took the ability bar away and left us with 5 choices, and took almost all of the companion control away, all so that the game could be easily played on a PS5 controller. While her/their character model was worked on subsequently, I just know that 30% of the potential customer base got one look at Taash making that unflattering repulsive face in the first trailer and said "I'm out".

[@natalscar]

I 100% origins on xbox and playstation, and EA, purchased and 100% Da2, bought Inquisition on three platforms and 100% on two of three of them, have obviously spent hundreds of hours on my favorite franchise. I've enjoyed every one of the games but not all the changes. With that said this is the first game in the series that has me possibly giving up. The art style, the reduction in tactics and combat choices, the unattractive companions, the changes to lore, the apparent remnants of a live service model, and yes... the purple. I will give it a chance as a long time fan, however they have turned off so many people with these changes, not mentioning the politics that have been inserted. And yes, that is a valid criticism from a "true" fan.

[@vinny9500]

IDK. I haven't seen much of the game since the Summer Games Fest showcase. I wasn't amazed by that showcase. And every few days in my recommended I see videos like "The More I see of DA:V the less excited I am." I haven't watched any of those, but the prevailing narrative from people who are invested in this game seems to be it doesn't look that good.

[@ukmaxi]

Tbf, I think people have rose-tinted glasses with Origins. I saw one video stating that it was a cRPG. Ermm, no, the only thing that made it like that was the non-voiced protagonist and the tactical nature of it. However, you could definitely play Origins without touching the tactical systems at all. Also, in Veilguard you can still technically 'pause' when you bring up the power wheels. Furthermore, in Origins you were pretty much restricted in where you could venture off to. Historically, the series was never designed to have an open-world map. What mattered were the multiple quests available within an area. So you had multiple mini maps for different quests, with slightly larger ones for a town/city. These were still relatively small however. From what I have heard and seen from the previews tells me this is a much more focussed quest experience, like DA:Origins was. Also, there seems to be a lot of choice and consequence and this was reflected in a mini interview mrmattyplays did with the game director. So, I am actually quite happy and excited about the game. My only irk are the new darkspawn designs, which look a bit odd in places.

[@9TailsExar]

well i really think that was intentional indeed.

[@Dantics]

Seems like it!

[@Thesecretvalley]

Another problem you didn't mention directly: I've been keeping tabs on the videos on youtube released related to DAV, and they are at this moment, prior to the 19th embargo end, overwhelmingly negative. Clearly because those people weren't invited to play the game, but it looks really bad from an outside perspective.

[@GrosserAndrew5000]

The modern audiences will love this game.

[@supergirlvideoclips894]

Dragon Age Inquisition was similar in tone and sold 12 million copies more than any Mass Effect or Dragon Age game. People only care if the game is fun

[@lordmech]

yes........yes they will BUT the people that have the money to afford it will take their money other places.

[@XXveny]

People were hating Dragon Age before it was even shown. Trailer only made haters more loud. Rational criticism is rare, but justified - it is no dragon age game anymore. It looks more like Kingdom of Amalur. If it was named differently, people would hate it less, because it seems that what it does, it does well - story, combat, characters. But the Dragon Age part we loved may not just be there...

[@Funky-Joe]

Yes I will so fuck off party 💩🤡

[@Marko_Gor]

@@supergirlvideoclips894 12 million copies sold but when? Pretty sure not in the first months. A huge portion of those 12 millions was sold on sale for 75% off.

[@newbielives]

You can't ignore the ugly Dishonor like art style, I will spend my money on Crimson Dessert and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 instead

[@sofajockeyUK]

Good to see such positive marketing today from the content creators' previews. Responses responses ranging from pretty good to GOTY contender.

[@pelxroro7853]

"I say let it die, let it die! Let it shrivel up and die!!" -O'Hare

[@lionart5230]

Equipment/Skills/Battle still look like mobile game/Fortnite trash, unfortunately. But yeah, your showcase was better.

[@NightIceWolf12]

I am mixed on this. The art style for the npcs looks meh. The environments looks amazing though. I like some of the changes made such as it being more mission focused than the open world mess that was Inquisition (mainly the Hinterlands). I like to 100% a game at least once and getting all those random collectibles was tedious. I agree that the first trailer was bad. It did not set a good tone for the game. The gameplay trailer improved my thoughts about Veilguard some. However, the youtubers releasing their videos increased my feelings about the game. I really disliked that some of the videos Bioware released had spoilers in it. I won't say anything spoliery but if you know then you know. Like, keep some of the stuff hidden until players can get their hands on the game. I would've loved to discovered those spoilers myself when I am playing the game and not months before release.

[@Aebriol]

Dragon Age was epic, dark and gritty. Now it is for fans of critical role - fun and campy. If they didn't want to stay with the original tone of the franchise they should have made a new one not destroyed a beloved existing franchise.

[@pizzaman6784]

2:43 BELLARA: THE ASIAN

[@JAIMEGARCIA-gw9re]

Why all the characters look so smooth?

[@XXveny]

Cartoony graphics that have lower demands on hardware. It is not low quality, just different style. Like Boederlands it is not aiming for hyperrealistic faces.

[@LThomas1701]

probably frostbite engine

[@Dantics]

Bad compression and different art style. Look at my thumbnail. That's the detail texture wise on faces you'll get when you play.

[@me5969]

Frostbite. Battlefield is the same and so was Andromeda. I don't know if the sports games use it but they all look plastic as well so I'm assuming so. Also as much as everyone is complaining about the art style, it is the same as Inquisition. For better or worse a lot of Inquisition stuff keeps cropping up on my feed and I can't help but notice they could be the same game apart from the hair. Regardless Frostbite is an engine design specifically for environmental destruction not humans as it was really made for a FPS where you'd just see hands. It's why they've gone back to Unreal for Mass Effect but this was well into development by the time they managed to convince EA to let them go back to Unreal

[@DafnaSmith]

i think they skin has no a texture of material. like in sims 4.

[@codename_d3vl863]

So it’s not just Dragon age, for me. It’s every game trailer that I see now a days. I’m burnt out on “the marketing” All I see are lies, what I want to see it actual gameplay and actual things that matter. Not fluff. Watching your coverage, alone is enough to make me interested in the game. You provide that info that I feel is important. You made me Go from a “fuck this” to a “hmmm looks very interesting and good” Also ign sucks. Always have. And it’s funny to me that they got special treatment, cuz that’s the only thing keeping them relevant.

[@Dantics]

I think that is what they've lost. Devs are so desperate to not slip up, they lose the authenticity!

[@jaywayytoofresh9670]

People just hate BioWare don't matter what they do... some of yall we're complaining when that leak came out a few years ago

[@chrismanahan1533]

Everything looks so "pretty", like the characters have smooth skin, the environment are overly artsy like those buildings, and clothes/armors are overly fashionable, like avant-garde design. And yeah, this version is more whimsical disney-like fantasy, instead of the usual dark medieval, mature world in the other older DA games. Yeah, they are probably targeting really young people, which probably 1/3rd are busy with school and life, 1/3rd don't play video games, and 1/3rd are busy protesting or doing activism, lol.

[@moonwatcher99]

Dunno man... Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but nothing that's been shown killed *my* hype. But then again, with all respect to other players, I don't take every trailer and reveal as an exact representation of the game. Even the combat reveal is highly dependent on *who's* playing it, and their skill (or lack thereof).

[@aaron8kok]

I wish the combat was a bit more tactic based,it looks to busy and cartoonish.

[@chicken1456]

More action focused is not always a bad tho thing

[@Dantics]

I miss the tactical feel of it too

[@jaywayytoofresh9670]

Naw that's combat style is played out ... its time to move forward get yo skillz up

[@pixelmafiaxbl]

I was always going to buy The Veilguard day one because I love Dragon Age and hold a lot of love for BioWare as a studio. However, if my decision on whether or not to purchase was reliant on their marketing, I’d probably be skipping & waiting for a sale. I just hold onto hope that the game will feel a lot darker in tone while being played. Also, lifting the embargo a whole 6 weeks before launch is so dumb for a narrative driven single player rpg. It’s going to be near impossible to avoid story related spoilers that will undoubtedly start pouring out from today as these content creators that were invited to the hands on event capitalise on the hype to build their channels.

[@breendart134]

I'm going to play the game with an open, if skeptical, mind. I'm withholding judgment. But whether I love it or hate it, whoever was in charge of marketing has some serious professional reflection to do. All the material so far has been extremely polar - one thing looks really cool and promising, then the next video squeezes lemons in your eyes - and it has rubbed a lot of people, like myself, the wrong way. It starts to make me suspicious. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel as though they really want to hide something from us until release (which is insane considering the amount of very important information they've chucked in our faces).

[@dodge9981]

Don't feel like spending my time fighting off waves of enemies trying to stop Taash from using the female restroom.

[@MyLadyAbsinthe]

i do miss the og origins custimazation and variety. when they switched to the more actiony streamlinedness we got in 2 i was bummed. still love the games but i get the criticism

[@Dantics]

Thankfully I am not too conserned with the combat. As long as there is freedom of choice and a great story.

[@9TailsExar]

afaik Solas would be trapped in fade most of the time while we will deal with other evanuris. Looks like they try to leave Solas for the end. Hell, may be we will not even deal with him in main game so they could release the Dreadwolf DLC. So change game title seems logical.

[@Dantics]

Though he will be a major part of the story - as I forsee him being a kind of Johnny Silverhand kind character

[@GlantriMage]

The trailer you put together was really good and they should take a lesson from your book. great job. 💯

[@davidradach9311]

Personally, I do have some concerns about Veilguard. I certainly hope they include a way to tone down the color saturation. That being said, the marketing of this game was terrible. Dantics, good sir, I loved your use of the Krusty the Clown clip! It was *exactly* the reference I made to my family and friends after seeing that Godawful first trailer. I only watch it to laugh at it now. It will be interesting to see what videos come out now that the embargo is lifted. I certainly hope undecided people find things to enjoy here. Side note? Your trailer concept was a lot better than that first trailer! And I did like your analysis on Veilguard’s marketing, it was spot on in my opinion!

[@yuckyhamsandwich]

I love Dragon Age and am looking forward to playing The Veilguard. I have recently finished reading the books as well, and in my mind, the art style still resembles Inquisition, which I also completed recently. I do kind of wish The Veilguard had the art style of BG3. This may sound silly, but where are those intense blood splatters? Asmongold demonstrated a kill shot compared to Space Marine, and wow, that's how I envisioned Dragon Age to be. Particularly after reading “The Last Flight,” I expected the combat to be bloodier and darker. However, ultimately, it all comes down to how it feels when I actually play the game. I might change my mind and end up loving the game just as much despite the art style and combat. I need to experience the game firsthand before drawing any final conclusions.

[@Balkoth07]

normally the marketing isn't done by the studio who makes the game but by the Publisher. In this case EA. So it could be a disconnect between studio and publisher, or EA just doesn't know how to market this kind of game.

[@justsomeotaku5087]

I’ve been a fan since Origins and at this point I’m determined to like it because I’ve wanted this game since I finished Inquisition. Even though I’m not a fan of the art style and I’m kinda hoping there is some customization to the UI cause all that purple makes me nauseous. Just hope the world building is good quality like if everyone has magic how it effect factions like The Qunari, Dwarves and Templars(or whatever is left of them)

[@dodge9981]

I need an escape, not reminders of modern-day pronoun lunacy.

[@ygalion]

I do want to see Bioware burn (sort of), as there are nothing left from old famous company. I am huge Dragon age fan, i love it, but basically origins and inquisition is only a viable option. Seeing Veilguard did scare me off and i buried game for me, but later start to see good parts and maybe there is some hope that game will be somewhat more than every AAA game that releases nowadays - meh

[@JoseMonkeys]

I just want October to come. I’ve played 2 and Inquisition several times over the years, but I’ll be playing Origins for the first time before Veilguard. So exciting!

[@crtxdistortion657]

Good one Dantics! Assosiations... Neon lights. Technicolor art style. Damage numbers and health bars. Mobile game vibes. And I think you are missing a point. The marketing is pushing all the "woke" selling points. Diversity. No one is evil. Pansexuality. It could all have been there, I don't mind, but making it a subtle part of the gameplay and focusing on the story would have made a better impact. It's all too much "in your face".

[@Ronnet]

I dont mind the cartoony art style (although I mich prefer Inquisition's style). However, what puts me off is that the legacy characters dont look as cartoony. It feels like I'm watching a crossover episode of two animation shows. Having said that, the game looks awesome in terms of lore and gameplay as well as graphics (from a distance). So still going to get this.

[@TheAlyeid]

Truth is bro, no matter how this game was marketed it would still fail. This game is a replica of the Saints Row reboot situation. I don’t appreciate psychological propaganda in my games. I don’t appreciate my ideals being toyed with for a social experiment that is Doomed to fail. This WOKE, lgbtq+ and DEI movement has NO place in our video games. Main reason; it’s not entertaining. Dead on arrival like saints row reboot. You know your game is bad when fans of the original franchise won’t play your game even when it’s free. Success was handed to them on a silver platter…. Just like Star Wars and Disney. But here we are. So no, not the marketing. The marketing reflected their intent and I’m grateful for that.

[@alicatthefangirl]

My take as a casual gamer who is thinking outloud after watching. I'm in the middle. I've played DA since Origins and followed the franchise until now (and will probably will continue) i agree with the marketing with ign. Its puzzling on why they pretty much went exclusive with them and forcing others to delay their own opinions. Especially with that Qunari character design, holy canoli. That was bad However, i dont see the "cartoon" aspect you're pointing out...i mean maybe? Like its very smooth and the rendering makes it truely look like a show but its a refreshing take after the shiny design Inquisition had lol Also, as an artist i dont understand why the color purple is making it "seem like disney" i dont see it even after it was pointed out. Bc its just a color and, as you stated, it does have a mystical/whimsical aspect to it....but isnt that the point? Its a fantasy game. Plus its a game featuring the fade and the veil being torn down that will, maybe, reveal the fade. Which, from my understanding, a very magical and whimsical place. So i personally think its fitting. Plus Inquisition had the green color scheme that also fit with what it was going for. But i digress In all, yes the hype was shit with the way they marketed that actually made me concerned for the gameplay and limit on choices we would get. But no i dont think the design aspect is as bad as people are making it. It different, thats all it is. Inquisition was different. DA2 was different. But that doesnt take away the experience of playing. Unless you have the ground glitch out from underneath you or you start floating like a worm bc you jumped wrong lmaooo. Then it gets annoying. 😂😂

[@ichigozangetsugrimmjozgqp9439]

Oh also dark shadie lavellan recent video shows the scenery will be seeing in veilguard so look at that to if you haven’t already

[@OrochiFlame]

i really hope this game is as good as you make it sound because if not im not going to even give the new mass effect a chance if this does horrible

[@Dantics]

Well, wait for previews and the like before making your mind up because personal taste varies

[@OrochiFlame]

@Dantics I'm going to because two strikes is a wild dragon age is one of my favorite franchise i want it to hit but I haven't been sold as a fan 😅 I hope they have a demo of some sort as you said but for now no pre order

[@noctoi]

Not gonna lie, I have far, FAR more issues with this game than just the trailer... I'm probably not going to play it within the next 2-3 years unless it goes on a $10 steam sale before then. That said, I *might* have been a little less vitriolic after that first reveal if they'd hired you to make the trailer. That was so much better I can't even quantify it. Let's face it, it absolutely does not make me want to play an action RPG with a DA skin, but it certainly makes me feel slightly less violated about my favourite franchise being railed with the Overwatch stick.

[@Sairento-kun]

They could just make a new IP with different characters and it would be ok, now sadly we have different game with just Dragon Age name. Maybe only one trailer was ok, rest showed boring game for new players. Good luck BioWare. I will not buy the game, maybe on sale because nothing convincer me that this game will be good.

[@swoopingisbad20]

What is there to look forward to for RPG fans again? Is it the brainless combat where you will be waiting to hit 3 abilities over and over again? Or the dead fish eyes and awful lip syncing of the characters? This games directors only game work experience is working on the sims, if anyone thinks that an established RPG like Dragon Age will turn out great with a sims worker with no RPG knowledge or experience with lots of branching paths and different endings (which Bioware have never stated that their will be multiple endings) if their were multiple they would have advertised that already. I grew up with dragon age since I was about 12 years old, 27 now and Iv played all 3 games more times then I can count. This game has only disappointed me the more and more they show and I know about it. The art style is absolutely garbage and the dark spawn are a tragic joke now. What happened to them being blighted versions of the races? There will be no choices that matter, the animations in and out of combat are terrible with the sliding/skating fight animations to the broken plastic ugly faces. All classes get 3 abilities which will make mages a brainless mess instead of the wild things you could do in origins. Even after this video I’m confused what their is to look forward to for RPG fans, not the visual novel fans or dating sims fans.

[@DafnaSmith]

your trailer is so cool! much better than the originals. I noticed that the light and playful tone related to serious issues (like the existence of the veil, lol) feels like infantilism. and you started with serious lines, so it feels like the characters care about what's happening - and this attracts me as a viewer.

[@Ser-Lusacan]

The music was also just a bit off in the trailer