BioWare’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard is set to be a breath of fresh air for gamers who have long been tethered to the internet. In a world where an internet connection is often a prerequisite even for solo play, the announcement that The Veilguard will feature offline play and no microtransactions has been met with widespread approval.
A New Approach to World-Building
The previous installment in the series, Dragon Age: Inquisition, required players to use Dragon Age Keep, a website that allowed them to configure the world state based on their decisions in earlier games. However, The Veilguard will take a different approach. According to game director Corinne Busche in a recent interview with IGN, the new game will feature an integrated system that provides a comprehensive refresher on past events. This system will enable players to make or remake all their world-changing decisions directly within The Veilguard’s character creator.
This shift away from external tools like Dragon Age Keep is a nod to the growing sentiment among gamers that not everything needs to be part of a continuous live service. While the internet is nearly ubiquitous, connectivity requirements can leave both games and players vulnerable to technical issues and end-of-service shutdowns. Moreover, the freedom to play offline is particularly appealing for those who want to enjoy their games on the go, such as on a Steam Deck.
The Principle of Offline Play
For many, the ability to play offline is not just a matter of convenience but also a principle. Take, for example, Ghost Recon Breakpoint. Despite its rocky start, Ubisoft has managed to turn it into a genuinely good shooter. However, the game’s requirement for an internet connection even for solo play has been a point of contention. The frustration of needing to be connected to remote servers just to play alone is something many gamers can relate to.
Interestingly, Ubisoft seems to be taking note of this sentiment. In May, they announced that the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows would not require an internet connection once installed. Players will be able to experience the entire journey offline, exploring Japan without any online constraints.
Could this be a sign that game companies are beginning to recognize the drawbacks of unnecessary online requirements? While it might be too early to tell, the decisions by BioWare and Ubisoft are certainly encouraging. They suggest a growing awareness that not all games need to be part of an endless live service model and that there is still value in offering a complete offline experience.
As we look forward to the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, it’s clear that BioWare’s decision to embrace offline play and eschew microtransactions is a welcome change. It’s a move that respects the diverse needs and preferences of gamers, offering them the freedom to enjoy their adventures without being constantly tethered to the internet.