The Case Against Larian Saving Dragon Age, No Matter How Tempting It Sounds
Fans have renewed calls for Larian Studios to take over Dragon Age after BioWare’s closure, hoping the studio behind Baldur’s Gate 3 could revive the role-playing series. The article argues against the idea, saying a handover would conflict with Larian’s plans and risk burdening it with a long-running franchise’s legacy.
Larian has said it wants to develop its own games, and its next project is Divinity, described as larger than Baldur’s Gate 3. Dragon Age has 17 years of lore, a strongly opinionated fanbase and a difficult recent development history; its latest game, The Veilguard, received mixed reviews. The article also points to a creative mismatch: Dragon Age’s mainline games have not used the turn-based combat central to Larian’s recent RPGs.
In short
- Fans want Larian to revive Dragon Age after BioWare’s closure.
- Larian is focused on its own Divinity series.
- Dragon Age’s legacy and gameplay may not fit Larian.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Larian could bring proven role-playing expertise, substantial resources and a large audience to a series whose future is uncertain after BioWare’s closure. A new steward might renew interest in Dragon Age while drawing on its established world and characters, and fans’ enthusiasm suggests there is demand for the series to continue.
The case against
Larian has said it wants to make its own games, and its next project, Divinity, is already a major commitment; taking on Dragon Age could divert attention from that work. The series’ long history, devoted fanbase and difficult recent development path would make stewardship demanding, while its established combat style may not fit Larian’s recent turn-based approach.
Explained simply
Dragon Age is a fantasy role-playing game series made by BioWare, a Canadian studio known for story-led games in which players shape characters and relationships through their choices. Across several main games, the series has built up a detailed setting and a large cast of recurring characters.
Larian Studios is a Belgian developer whose recent success with Baldur’s Gate 3 has led some fans to suggest it could make another Dragon Age game. The studios have different approaches to combat: Larian’s recent role-playing games use turn-based battles, while the main Dragon Age games have used other combat systems.
Taking over Dragon Age would mean working with a long-established world and a devoted fan community, as well as deciding how to build on the series’ past. Larian has said it wants to make its own games, and is developing a new Divinity title.