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Dragon Age: The Veilguard Breaks Records on Steam, Outshines Jedi Survivor as EA’s Biggest Single-Player Hit
November 1, 2024Dragon Age: The Veilguard has just accomplished a feat that even the most loyal fans might not have seen coming. Within days of its launch, it has outpaced Star Wars Jedi: Survivor to become EA’s biggest single-player release ever on Steam. Hitting a peak of over 70,000 concurrent players, The Veilguard has not only revitalized the Dragon Age franchise but also solidified BioWare’s return to its RPG roots. Here’s a closer look at how this game took Steam by storm and what it means for the future of Dragon Age and EA’s single-player catalogue.
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A Record-Breaking Launch for Dragon Age: The Veilguard
At launch, Dragon Age: The Veilguard reached an impressive peak of 70,414 concurrent players, surpassing Jedi Survivor’s previous high of 67,855. This player count not only made The Veilguard EA’s largest single-player success on Steam but also placed it among the top 10 most-played games on the platform, right next to gaming giant Baldur’s Gate 3. The positive reviews and massive player base showcase that this game is resonating with both old-school fans and new players alike.
BioWare’s Return to Its RPG Roots
During EA’s recent earnings call, CEO Andrew Wilson expressed confidence in BioWare’s work on The Veilguard, attributing its success to the studio’s “return to its strengths.” After a period of mixed reception with games like Anthem and some criticisms of Dragon Age: Inquisition’s pacing, BioWare’s focus on deep storytelling, character development, and a rich, explorable world has paid off in a big way.
BioWare has brought back everything fans loved about the original Dragon Age games and refined it with modern gameplay mechanics and graphics. With the game resonating so well, Dragon Age now feels more in line with BioWare’s earlier successes in the genre, placing it on par with some of the greatest RPG experiences.
A Well-Timed Release Amid Low Competition
The timing was everything for The Veilguard’s success. Ubisoft’s decision to delay Assassin’s Creed Shadows left the gaming field open, allowing Dragon Age to capture players’ attention with little competition. Releasing in a quiet period for major RPG launches, The Veilguard gave eager gamers an opportunity to dive into the mystical world of Thedas without distractions.
With minimal competition, fans who may have been on the fence about purchasing a new game were drawn to The Veilguard for its promise of deep lore, nostalgic Dragon Age elements, and the intrigue surrounding Solas, a fan-favourite character whose actions continue to shape the world of Thedas.
Reactions and Reviews: A Hit Among Fans and Critics
The positive response from the community speaks volumes about The Veilguard’s impact. Not only have longtime fans praised its strong return to form, but new players also seem captivated by its storytelling and complex world. Reviews point to the game’s robust character arcs, well-designed quests, and refined gameplay mechanics that give The Veilguard the polish needed to stand out in the modern RPG market.
One of the game’s highlights, as noted by critics, is its ability to interweave classic elements with fresh twists. The combat system, for example, has seen improvements, allowing players to strategize and experiment with new abilities. Meanwhile, the storyline dives into complex narratives that blend politics, magic, and moral ambiguity, which has long been the hallmark of the Dragon Age series.
What The Veilguard’s Success Means for BioWare and EA
With The Veilguard’s success, BioWare’s reputation as a leading RPG developer is back on solid ground. This achievement sets a high bar not only for the Dragon Age series but also for BioWare’s other iconic franchise, Mass Effect. Fans are now speculating whether BioWare will continue to build on this momentum with similarly ambitious projects. For EA, The Veilguard’s success could mean a more dedicated focus on single-player experiences and possibly more investment in BioWare’s upcoming games.
EA’s recent Q2 earnings report emphasized the growing importance of single-player titles in the company’s portfolio. With The Veilguard breaking records, it’s clear that EA sees substantial value in supporting big-budget, story-driven games. Moving forward, this win could mean more resources for BioWare to refine and develop immersive RPGs, further establishing EA as a strong player in the single-player genre.
Why This Launch Is More Than Just a Statistic
For Dragon Age fans, The Veilguard’s success is more than just a record-breaking moment; it’s a reassurance that the series has staying power and can evolve without losing its essence. The game’s popularity speaks to BioWare’s ability to craft experiences that resonate across generations of gamers. Each player who logs in to explore Thedas is part of a legacy that has spanned over a decade and continues to grow with each new release.
The game’s success also suggests that single-player titles still hold massive appeal, even as multiplayer experiences dominate the market. The Veilguard has shown that a well-crafted story and an immersive world can pull in players just as effectively as competitive and social gaming elements.
While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!
While games are fun, it’s highly important to note that there’s more to life than sitting countless hours playing video games – there’s a purpose and more to life; seek out that purpose more often!
