As I stepped into BioWare’s office in Edmonton, Canada, to get a sneak peek at the character creator for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, I was expecting something impressive. After all, it’s 2024, and character creation systems have come a long way. But what I saw exceeded all my expectations. The character creator in Veilguard is not just robust – it’s staggeringly rich.
I was amazed to learn that BioWare used this creation system to design most of the NPCs in the game, excluding only the mainline characters like companions. The level of detail and customization available is truly remarkable. I can already imagine players crafting near-replicas of celebrities or creating monstrous characters straight out of a horror game.
What struck me most about the character creator in Veilguard is its focus on inclusivity. Game director Corinne Busche emphasized the importance of representing all people authentically. As I delved into creating my own character, known as Rook in-game, I discovered a wealth of options at my fingertips.
Starting with the choice of four races – Elves, Qunari, Humans, and Dwarves – I opted for Qunari. The presets for each race allow for detailed customization, from selecting pronouns independently of gender to choosing different body types. The ability to view my character in various lighting scenes added another layer of depth to the creation process.
One of the key improvements in Veilguard’s character creator, as creative director John Epler pointed out, is the attention to detail in skin tones and textures. With options for different complexions, undertones, and even a Vitiligo slider, BioWare has gone to great lengths to ensure a diverse representation of characters.
The customization options extend to every aspect of the character, from head to toe. Sliders for features like nose shape, jawline, and ear size offer a level of control that is rare to find in other games. The inclusion of makeup, tattoos, scars, and paint further enhances the ability to create a truly unique character.
The hair options in Veilguard are particularly impressive, with a wide range of styles and colors to choose from. The use of EA’s Frostbite engine’s Strand system ensures that each hairstyle is rendered realistically with physics, adding to the overall immersion of the game.
After customizing my character’s appearance, selecting their horn type and material, and choosing a class and faction, I was ready to embark on Rook’s journey. The emphasis on player agency and competency in shaping Rook’s story sets Veilguard apart from its predecessors, offering a more personal and engaging narrative experience.
As I prepared to dive into the world of Minrathous with my newly created character, I couldn’t help but appreciate the Mirror of Transformation in Veilguard’s main hub. This feature allows players to change their physical appearance at any time, ensuring that they can always tweak their character to their liking.
Overall, the character creator in Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a testament to BioWare’s commitment to player choice and representation. With its extensive customization options and inclusive design, it sets a new standard for character creation systems in RPGs. I can’t wait to see the diverse array of characters that players will bring to life in this rich and immersive world.