In a recent chat with YouTuber MrMattyPlays, Mark Darrah, a key figure from BioWare, shared some surprising news: Electronic Arts has shut down multiple ideas for remaking or remastering the beloved Dragon Age series. This includes the original game and possibly the sequels, too.
Darrah, who produced the first three games and is now a consultant on the upcoming title, suggested that EA could benefit from revisiting these classics. He mentioned a soft pitch to present the first three games as a cohesive “Champions trilogy.” This would feature the main heroes—Ferelden’s Hero, the Champion of Kirkwall, and the Inquisitor—all polished and re-released for modern audiences.
Interestingly, Darrah noted that EA has traditionally been hesitant about remasters. While they had success with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which leveraged Unreal Engine, the Dragon Age titles employ different technologies that complicate remastering. Dragon Age: Origins uses the Eclipse Engine, while Dragon Age II uses an upgraded version and Inquisition runs on Frostbite.
Darrah expressed confusion over EA’s reluctance to embrace remasters: “It’s strange for a publicly traded company to essentially turn down free money.” He added that developing new titles in the Dragon Age franchise tends to be more challenging than Mass Effect.
Reflecting on the creative process, Darrah recalled early discussions aiming to collaborate with talented modders or studios to breathe new life into Dragon Age: Origins.
In the gaming community, excitement remains high for anything related to the Dragon Age series. A recent Twitter poll found that over 70% of fans want a remaster of the original game, showcasing their strong connection to its characters and storylines.
With nostalgia running deep for these titles, it’s clear that many players are waiting eagerly for a chance to revisit the world of Dragon Age—content that merges beloved gameplay with modern enhancements.
For those interested in game restoration trends, the industry is witnessing a significant increase. According to a recent report, 60% of gamers have expressed interest in remasters of classic titles, reflecting a broader desire among gamers to reconnect with their favorites in a refreshed format.
It appears the passion surrounding Dragon Age might just spur EA to reconsider its stance on remakes and remasters in the future.