14 DAY TRIAL // David Gaider, the leading writer on the first two games of the Dragon Age series, believes that feedback from fans is getting lost in the angry rants that make up most of the posts on the BioWare Social Network.
On his own Tumblr, he stated, “The BioWare Social Network doesn’t constitute the be-all and end-all of BioWare’s fans. They are certainly a group of passionate folks, and while I wouldn’t say they were all ‘utterly gross’ as you put it I do agree that the overall tone of the forums has become increasingly toxic.”
Many video game developers pride themselves on reading the official forums if not actively taking part in discussions, but Gaider says that he tends to avoid them because they create a feeling of negativity that can affect his own work.
BioWare has always been ready to listen to feedback from fans, but the developer believes that useful comments are getting lost among the rants.
Gaider adds, “Perhaps there is also something to be said about whether the games BioWare makes still satisfy our core fans. Though one need only attend a con to see there are plenty of positive, enthusiastic fans out there.”
Fans were negative after the launch of Dragon Age II, mainly because it focused on a single city and main character and failed to explore the world around them.
At the moment, BioWare is working on Dragon Age III: Inquisition, which is set to be launched on the PC and on home consoles in late 2013.
The new game is expected to offer more customization options for both the protagonist and his companions.
Orlais will probably the setting for Inquisition and both the Dragon Commander and Hawke will be involved in the story.
BioWare has also promised to wrap up the story involving the renegade mages, the Circle, the Chantry and Templars.