EA Removes Multiplayer From Dragon Age 4

EA has announced its upcoming instalment in the Dragon Age series will be single-player, pivoting from past multiplayer developments. Recent developers have favoured online experiences due to their popularity with players and economic viabilities, but the success of BioWare’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order hints towards avenues for success in story-driven games. 

This week, EA made the decision to cancel Anthem Next after a critical flop of the base game. Whilst Anthem failed to deliver on its high expectations, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order garnered 10 million players within four months. The intended team for Anthem Next will be moved onto developing Dragon Age 4. Jason Schreier, a reporter for Bloomberg, tweeted the news. 

Time for some news that is going to make BioWare fans really happy.

Following the success of Jedi Fallen Order and the failure of Anthem, EA has allowed BioWare to make the next Dragon Age a single-player RPG. Previously, it was planned as a service game https://t.co/tk9uUlzOsb

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) February 25, 2021

Dragon Age removed multiplayer due to past success of single-player games

Members of BioWare’s leadership team had previously urged to switch back to a single-player game. With the negative critical reception of its past two projects, Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, the success of the upcoming Dragon Age is urgent for the future of the studio. Currently, the game remains unnamed, outside of being known as Dragon Age 4, and has no confirmed release date. 

A cinematic trailer for the next entry featured Inquisition companion Solas, with scenes featuring previously unexplored Tevinter Imperium. Prior instalments have been focused on areas of the world in which mages have been lower-class citizens, locked away in towers to keep their powers at bay. The Tevinter Imperium is a place ruled by mages, offering vast new opportunities for gameplay and storytelling. 

Single-player experiences are at the heart of BioWare, raising hopes for Dragon Age 4. We’ve listed out our wishes for the game. How do you feel about Dragon Age 4 removing multiplayer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!