BioWare used to be one of gaming’s most respected studios. Deep storytelling, memorable characters, and player-driven choices were its bread and butter. But over the years, things have changed. The studio has stumbled, and Dragon Age: Veilguard is just the latest misstep. If BioWare wants Mass Effect 5 to succeed, it has to get this one right—because if it doesn’t, this could be the end of the road.
What Went Wrong With Dragon Age: Veilguard
1. Weak Writing
BioWare built its legacy on strong storytelling, but Veilguard’s writing just doesn’t hit the mark. Fans have pointed out that the dialogue feels shallow, lacking the depth and nuance that made past games so compelling. Some characters don’t feel like they belong in the Dragon Age universe, and longtime players are frustrated.
2. A Questionable Art Style
The shift to a more stylized, almost cartoon-like art direction has left a lot of players scratching their heads. Dragon Age games have always had a gritty, mature feel, but Veilguard looks like it was made for a different audience entirely. It’s a drastic change, and not one that’s sitting well with fans.
3. Divisive Combat
BioWare decided to take a more action-heavy approach with Veilguard, and not everyone is happy about it. Some players like the faster combat, but others feel like it strays too far from the tactical RPG roots of the series. On top of that, the gameplay itself feels a little too simple, lacking the complexity that made previous entries engaging.
4. Technical Problems (Again)
BioWare has a history of launching buggy games. Andromeda. Anthem. Now, Veilguard is following suit with performance issues, glitches, and AI problems. It’s a pattern that the studio can’t seem to break.
5. Internal Struggles
Veilguard’s messy development process is no secret. Leadership changes, layoffs, and shifting priorities all contributed to an inconsistent vision. We’ve seen this happen before with Anthem and Andromeda, and it’s clear that BioWare still hasn’t figured out how to keep a project on track.
What This Means for Mass Effect 5
With Veilguard’s mixed reception, the pressure is on. Mass Effect 5 can’t afford to be another disappointment. If BioWare doesn’t course-correct, this could be the final nail in the coffin.
What BioWare Needs to Do
✅ Bring Back Strong Writing
Mass Effect’s story and characters are what made it special. ME5 has to recapture that magic. Players want deep, immersive narratives where choices actually matter. The protagonist needs to be bold, and the decisions need real weight.
✅ Do Not Bring Back Shepard
While I love Shepard as a character, it’s time to move on. ME3 wrapped up the trilogy. Moving on respects the ending players received in their game and sets the landscape for a new story. It’s time for new characters with new stories.
✅ Find the Right Gameplay Balance
BioWare needs to modernize Mass Effect’s mechanics without throwing out what made it great. ME5 should aim for a mix between the tactical depth of ME1 and the refined combat of ME2/3. The bar has been raised—games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 have shown what’s possible. It’s time to step up.
✅ Take the Time to Get It Right
Andromeda’s biggest problem? Rushed development. BioWare cannot make the same mistake with ME5. The game needs time to be polished. Fans won’t tolerate janky animations and half-baked mechanics again.
✅ Listen to Players—But Stay True to the Vision
Feedback is important, but BioWare has to stick to what made Mass Effect great. Trying to please everyone leads to a watered-down experience that satisfies no one. The team should analyze how players engaged with past games to understand expectations without overcorrecting.
✅ Ensure a Cohesive Vision
Many of the original Mass Effect writers are gone, and that’s concerning. The new team needs to understand what made the series special. Have they played the trilogy multiple times? Have they watched various playthroughs? If not, how can they possibly deliver what fans expect?
BioWare’s Last Shot?
I really want BioWare to pull this off. I have so many great memories from their older games, and I’m curious about the story they want to tell next. But let’s be real—the team is under enormous pressure. There’s a huge disconnect between what fans expect and what BioWare has been delivering. And let’s not forget the corporate side of things—EA just shook up its executive team. Too little, too late for Veilguard?
If BioWare can return to strong narratives, immersive world-building, and polished gameplay, Mass Effect 5 could be the comeback it desperately needs. But if it stumbles again, we may have to say goodbye to BioWare as we once knew it.
