Former BioWare developers have criticized EA's assessment of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf's underperformance and subsequent restructuring of BioWare. EA CEO Andrew Wilson attributed the game's failure to not resonate with a broad enough audience, suggesting a need for "shared-world features and deeper engagement" alongside strong narratives. This statement, interpreted by many as advocating for a live-service model, has been met with resistance from former BioWare staff.

The game's development was fraught with challenges, including layoffs and the departure of key personnel, leading to a significant shift from an initially planned multiplayer structure to a single-player RPG. This pivot, according to reports, was a direct result of EA's intervention.

David Gaider, former narrative lead on Dragon Age, argued that EA's takeaway – that the game should have been live-service – is short-sighted. He suggested that EA should instead learn from the success of Baldur's Gate 3, which, while offering co-op, remains primarily a single-player experience, and double down on the core elements that made Dragon Age successful in the past.

Mike Laidlaw, former creative director on Dragon Age, expressed even stronger dissent, stating he would resign if pressured to fundamentally alter a beloved single-player IP into a purely multiplayer game. He highlighted the potential damage to the core identity of the franchise.

The restructuring of BioWare, resulting in significant staff reductions, reflects EA's decision to prioritize Mass Effect 5. EA CFO Stuart Canfield acknowledged the shift in the industry landscape and the need to focus resources on high-potential projects. The future of the Dragon Age franchise, following these events, remains uncertain. The overall implication is that Dragon Age's future is currently unclear, with BioWare's focus shifting entirely to Mass Effect 5.