Dragon Age: The Veilguard has launched on Steam, and while it has generated excitement due to its captivating story and character interactions, it has faced criticism for its new, colorful art style, which some fans describe as “Pixarization.” Concerns have emerged about the impact this could have on the upcoming Mass Effect game. However, Michael Gamble, the franchise’s lead, reassured fans that Mass Effect will maintain its photorealistic, mature tone distinct from The Veilguard.
After much anticipation, Dragon Age: The Veilguard made its debut on Steam on October 31. Now, BioWare is ready to set its sights on another well-known franchise: Mass Effect. Fans will be pleased to hear that the lead on the upcoming installment of this renowned series will depart from one of the artistic choices made in the latest Dragon Age, a decision that some may find reassuring.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard – A Style Under Scrutiny
Aside from the individual and often pointless political discussions circulating on social media, Dragon Age: The Veilguard stands out as one of the most eagerly anticipated games of late 2024. The game has already garnered praise for its narrative and character interactions, promising a deeply immersive experience for players. However, not all design choices are without controversy.
One notable change is that BioWare has opted for a different art style in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, diverging from its darker and more violent predecessors. While earlier titles embraced a grim and intense aesthetic, The Veilguard aims for a more vibrant and cartoony appearance. This shift has provoked some fans who lament the “Pixar-ification” of the franchise.
In light of this, enthusiasts of BioWare’s acclaimed franchises fear for the future of the studio’s games, particularly Mass Effect. Some fans struggle to envision a new entry that might adopt a style reminiscent of The Veilguard rather than its earlier, more serious iterations. Nonetheless, these concerns may be unfounded, as the head of the Mass Effect team recently addressed them directly!
Mass Effect: The Anticipated Return with Reassuring Updates!
As is often the case, Michael Gamble, who heads the studio behind Mass Effect and its forthcoming installment, took to X to clarify fans’ questions. He noted that the teams responsible for developing both Mass Effect and Dragon Age: The Veilguard share a lineage, with the original team having contributed to the development of the latter. Despite this connection, he emphasized that the two franchises are fundamentally different in many respects.
When a fan urged him to avoid “Pixar-ifying” Mass Effect as occurred with Dragon Age, Gamble expressed skepticism about the term itself but assured fans that “Mass Effect employs a photorealistic style and will continue to do so” as long as he remains at BioWare. This statement should ease concerns for anyone worried without substantial cause.
Additionally, Gamble reiterated that the tone of the upcoming Mass Effect will maintain the same mature style that characterized the original trilogy. For now, these are the only insights available about the project, seven years after the release of Mass Effect: Andromeda, and they seem to have provided some solace to the fans.
After a long wait for aficionados, Dragon Age: The Veilguard has finally arrived! While it has already captured the approval of many, some longtime fans are expressing disappointment over the absence of a specific feature.