Electronic Arts’ latest release in the Dragon Age franchise, The Veilguard, has reportedly underperformed in early sales, raising questions about its future and that of the beloved series. With sales hovering around 500,000 copies, sources indicate growing concerns for BioWare and EA.
A Rocky Start for a Highly Anticipated Title
EA’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard, launched on October 31st, arrived with considerable fanfare. Given the nearly decade-long wait since Dragon Age: Inquisition, expectations were high, especially among the franchise’s dedicated fanbase.
Yet, despite the initial buzz, The Veilguard has struggled to meet sales projections, reportedly moving only 500,000 units so far. The figures, shared by industry insider Endymion and corroborated by YouTuber SmashJT, suggest an underwhelming reception compared to the game’s anticipated trajectory.
Rising Refund Requests Signal Possible Player Discontent
According to SmashJT, BioWare’s developers have received a notable volume of refund requests, indicating potential dissatisfaction among early players. While specific details on the reasons behind the refunds remain unclear, the trend suggests that aspects of the game might not align with player expectations.
For EA and BioWare, understanding and addressing these refund requests could be pivotal in salvaging the game’s public perception.
Player Engagement Dwindling on Steam
Adding to the game’s challenges is a waning player base on Steam, one of the largest platforms for PC gaming. Data from SteamDB reveals a significant drop in concurrent players since launch; the game initially peaked at 89,000 concurrent players but fell to just 61,000 by the second weekend.
Such a decline so soon after launch points to a possible engagement issue and highlights a pressing need for BioWare to foster player retention if they hope to rebuild momentum.
High Price Point as a Possible Barrier in Key Markets
Pricing may also play a role in The Veilguard’s struggle to hit sales targets, particularly in price-sensitive regions. In countries like China, where gaming costs can significantly impact purchasing behavior, the relatively high price tag could be deterring potential buyers. With EA targeting a global audience, a reassessment of pricing strategies in specific regions might be a way to spur sales.
Can The Veilguard Overcome its Rocky Start?
The underperformance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard casts a shadow over the franchise’s future. With low sales, refund requests, and dwindling player engagement, EA and BioWare face an uphill battle to reinvigorate the title and restore player confidence.
By addressing player concerns and potentially adjusting their pricing and content update strategies, EA has a chance to course-correct. Yet, only time will tell if The Veilguard can turn things around or if it will remain a cautionary tale in the industry.
A Legacy at Stake
With nearly a decade separating The Veilguard from its predecessor, Dragon Age: Inquisition, the game’s lackluster performance raises questions about the future of the franchise. EA and BioWare’s next moves will be crucial in determining whether The Veilguard becomes a slow-burn success or if the series might see a prolonged hiatus.