BioWare, the renowned game developer behind the Dragon Age series, is gearing up to release its latest installment, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This time around, BioWare is putting a significant focus on creating compelling and fully realized companions for players to interact with throughout the game.
In a recent interview with key members of the development team, including general manager Gary McKay, game director Corinne Busche, creative director John Epler, and art director Matt Rhodes, it became clear that the companions in Veilguard are more than just side characters – they are integral to the overall experience of the game.
According to McKay, Veilguard marks the first time that BioWare intentionally set out to create great companions, rather than stumbling upon them as they did in previous Dragon Age titles. This shift in approach has led to the development of some of the most complex and interesting companions in the series.
Busche echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the companions in Veilguard are designed to be fully realized characters with their own motivations, story arcs, and problems. As players progress through the game, they will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of these companions, forming strong emotional connections with them along the way.
Epler sheds light on BioWare’s philosophy that Dragon Age is about characters, not causes. This means that while factions like the Grey Wardens may be important, it is the individual characters within these factions that drive the narrative forward. By focusing on creating rich and diverse characters, BioWare aims to make the world of Thedas feel alive and dynamic.
Rhodes, as the art director, emphasizes the importance of companions as the face of their respective factions and areas of the world. The level of detail and complexity put into designing these characters is meant to challenge cosplayers and showcase the depth of the companions’ personalities.
One of the standout features of Veilguard is the companions’ roles both in and out of combat. Busche explains that companions have their own behaviors and autonomy in battle, making it feel like players are fighting alongside real individuals. The game encourages players to strategize and work together with their companions to unleash powerful combos and abilities.
Outside of combat, companions have their own concerns, fears, distractions, and personal spaces. The relationships between companions can also evolve romantically, adding another layer of depth to their interactions. As players spend time getting to know their companions, their personalities will evolve, creating a sense of connection and emotional investment in their stories.
Overall, Dragon Age: The Veilguard promises to deliver a rich and immersive experience centered around dynamic and engaging companions. With a strong emphasis on character-driven storytelling and gameplay, BioWare is setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through the world of Thedas.