The Unveiling of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and Mass Effect 4: Resolving the Complex Canon Dilemma

BioWare games have always been known for their emphasis on player choice. However, as these games evolve into long-running franchises with interconnected lore, the issue arises of how to handle the impact of decisions made in previous games. In the past, BioWare has been able to find solutions through programs like the Keep or importing save game data. However, there is now a growing need for BioWare to address the issue of canonicity in its games. The announcement of Mass Effect 4, accompanied by a teaser trailer, was met with excitement from fans who had been uncertain about the future of the franchise after Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem. Surprisingly, the teaser showed a destroyed Citadel, mass relays, and Reapers, all consistent with the Destroy ending of Mass Effect 3. This suggests that BioWare has made a decision to establish one of the trilogy's endings as canon, going against their previous policy of leaving decisions and world states up to the player.

The Impact Decisions Have on the Future in BioWare Games

The conclusion of Mass Effect 3 had significant consequences for all three choices, making it impossible to include all player decisions in Mass Effect 4. As a result, BioWare will need to establish a canon option, which sets a precedent for future games like Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. While Dragon Age may have the advantage of the Keep system, the outcome of events in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf holds great significance. The destiny of Solas, the fate of the Veil, and the aftermath of the Evanuris have the power to shape Thedas as drastically as the destruction of the Citadel and Mass Relays in Mass Effect. Therefore, BioWare will need to make a definitive canon decision for the future of the Dragon Age series.

The Future of BioWare is Mass Effect and Dragon Age's Choices

EA's decision to redirect BioWare from Star Wars: The Old Republic to focus on Mass Effect and Dragon Age holds significant importance. This move suggests that EA has a vested interest in the success of these franchises. Ideally, this means that EA will provide ample support for BioWare to expand these intellectual properties beyond Mass Effect 4 and Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. However, achieving this goal will likely entail necessary changes, even if it involves making executive decisions and limiting player freedoms in order to deliver a cohesive narrative.

It is plausible that BioWare did not initially plan to return to the Milky Way galaxy after the events of Mass Effect 3, hence their choice to write themselves into a corner with three incompatible outcomes. If this is indeed the case, BioWare may exercise greater caution with Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, ensuring that player decisions are thoughtfully designed and have a tangible impact on shaping the game's world.

If decisions can be accommodated through the Keep, player autonomy should be prioritized, but BioWare should not hesitate to make a decisive move if no other options are available, similar to what happened with the Mass Effect 3 endings. Nevertheless, BioWare should exercise caution when presenting certain choices as the "best" ending, as this world state could potentially be altered in the future. Both Mass Effect 4 and Dragon Age: Dreadwolf are currently being developed.