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The highly anticipated release of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf seems to be caught in a never-ending cycle of delays, according to sources close to the game’s development at BioWare. The news comes on the heels of recent layoffs within the studio and raises questions about the future of both the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises.
Dragon Age Dreadwolf Delays a Result of BioWare Restructuring
Veteran gaming journalist Jeff Grubb of Giant Bomb recently shed light on the behind-the-scenes turmoil at BioWare, where he revealed that internal discussions indicated ongoing setbacks for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. These delays have raised concerns among fans who have eagerly awaited the next installment in the Dragon Age series.
Originally slated for a September 2023 release, the game’s launch window was moved to March 2024. However, sources suggest that the release may be further pushed back, with an estimated release date now hovering around the summer of 2024 “at the earliest.” Grubb speculates that it could potentially be delayed even further, possibly into late 2024 or early 2025.
These delays come in the wake of BioWare’s recent announcement of layoffs. BioWare General Manager Gary McKay revealed that approximately 50 roles would be cut as part of a strategic shift towards becoming a more “agile and focused studio.” The layoffs have sparked concerns about the impact on both Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and the next installment of the Mass Effect series.
Notably, the development team for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf received assistance from BioWare’s Mass Effect team earlier this year. However, Grubb suggests that due to the recent layoffs, more members of Mike Gamble’s Mass Effect team will be reallocated to the Dragon Age project, further prolonging the wait for the next Mass Effect game.
Despite these setbacks, BioWare remains committed to delivering a high-quality gaming experience. In response to the layoffs, McKay emphasized the studio’s dedication to Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and the Dragon Age franchise as a whole, ensuring fans that the game will live up to the series’ reputation. McKay also assured Mass Effect enthusiasts that a veteran team, led by Mike Gamble, continues to work on the next Mass Effect game, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to quality.
“If you’re wondering how all of this will impact development of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, let me be clear that our dedication to the game has never wavered,” BioWare’s boss said when the job cuts were announced on Tuesday.
“Our commitment remains steadfast, and we all are working to make this game worthy of the Dragon Age name. We are confident that we’ll have the time needed to ensure Dreadwolf reaches its full potential.”
As fans continue to anxiously await the release of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, it remains to be seen how BioWare’s restructuring efforts will impact the development timeline and quality of both this highly anticipated title and the future of the Mass Effect series. The gaming community will undoubtedly be watching closely as BioWare navigates these challenges in the months and years to come.
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