The future of the series depends on what fans want in the next game

Mar 20, 2012 11:31 GMT  ·  By

The Dragon Age franchise is entering its next stage of development and BioWare, the studio behind the role playing series, wants to hear feedback from fans about its next iteration, the oft-rumored Dragon Age III.

BioWare has delighted lots of gamers from all over the world with many franchises, from classics like Baldur’s Gate or Knights of the Old Republic, to new series like Mass Effect, which just ended, or Dragon Age.

The latter, while becoming a hit when it first appeared, saw its popularity diminish after the second game was released last year.

Fans complained of a simplified story and the disappearance of many RPG mechanics, facts that were rectified in some regards by BioWare, through the release of downloadable add-ons like Legacy or Mark of the Assassin.

Now, after a few rumors, BioWare has all but confirmed that Dragon Age III is coming.

In a message on the BioWare Social Network, Mark Darrah, the executive producer of the second game, revealed that he and his team wanted to hear from fans about their desires for the Dragon Age series and where they wanted it to go with its next iteration.

“We’re moving the entire team’s focus to the next phase of Dragon Age’s future,” Darrah said. “You’ve most certainly heard the rumors floating around, and unfortunately I can’t really comment on them. However, what I can say is that we’ve been thinking a lot about Dragon Age – what it means, and where it could go.”

Darrah mentions that his team went back and analyzed what made previous BioWare games so popular, in order to see what needs to be done with the next Dragon Age.

More importantly, however, is fan feedback, so he and his staff will monitor social networks like Facebook or Twitter, as well as go to different conventions to hear from fans.

“The next thing for the Dragon Age team members and I to do is hear from you, and not just on the forums, or Facebook, or Twitter. We’ll be attending a number of conventions and gatherings, including PAX East in April. The most valuable thing we can get out of those meetings is to hear from you on those same topics – what does Dragon Age mean to you, and where would you like to see it go? We’re excited to hear what you have to say!”

A big announcement for the Dragon Age series is coming soon, according to Darrah, but the studio first wants to hear from fans until it’s ready for an official reveal.

What do you think? What does Dragon Age III need to do in order to raise your interest?