Dragon Age: Veilguard Star Addresses Backlash, Cites BioWare Criticism

Dragon Age star Alix Wilton Regan has shared her own perspective on the criticism surrounding last year's Dragon Age: The Veilguard, attributing some of the "mixed reactions" to individuals who "wished for the game to be unsuccessful, or wanted to see [BioWare] fail."

The actor, who voiced the Female Inquisitor in both Dragon Age: Inquisition and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, told IGN she was "deeply disheartened" that BioWare's latest title failed to attract a wider player base, despite receiving largely favorable reviews from critics.

In a new interview reflecting on her many memorable video game roles—including her part in Microsoft's upcoming Perfect Dark reboot—Wilton Regan expressed her deep affection for her time as BioWare's Inquisitor, though she doubts the character will make a return.

"I feel truly heartbroken for BioWare as a studio that they received such a divided response to the game," Wilton Regan said of the reaction to The Veilguard. "From my personal experience, I believe it was a very solid game. It felt like classic BioWare through and through.

"I also sense that many people almost wanted it to fail, or wanted to see [BioWare] stumble, whether because they're simply toxic voices online—of which there are regrettably many, as we all know."

Upon its launch, The Veilguard was targeted by review bombing. Criticism labeling the game as "woke" focused on its inclusion of a non-binary companion and the option for players to choose a transgender identity for their character. On Steam, Dragon Age: The Veilguard currently holds a 'Mixed' user rating, with community-applied tags frequently highlighting "LGBTQ+" and "political" themes.

"People were attacking the game even before its release," Wilton Regan continued. "It's absurd. How can you possibly judge a game, a book, a film, or a TV show before it's actually available? You can't. It's a completely irrational position."

In January, publisher EA stated that Dragon Age: The Veilguard had "underperformed" against its projections by approximately 50%, shortly after the game's director Corrine Busche confirmed her departure from the company. Additionally, several other BioWare team members who contributed to the project were laid off.

That same month, BioWare indicated it had released its final update for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, with no further content planned or announced.

"My only hope is to see the people at BioWare succeed, because I hold them in such high regard," Wilton Regan concluded. "Whatever they choose to work on next, I'm certain their incredible talent will be recognized. We are fortunate to know that more brilliant work from them lies ahead."

A streamlined BioWare studio is now focused on developing Mass Effect 5, which does not yet have a confirmed release window.