Dragon Age: The Veilguard director leaves BioWare after 18 years

Yet another beloved BioWare developer has left the Edmonton studio as Dragon Age: The Veilguard director Corinne Busche has confirmed their departure on Friday. She told Eurogamer that the development of the RPG “took a toll on [her].”

A BioWare veteran leaves the studio

Corinne Busche, who has been a part of the Edmonton development team for BioWare for 18 years, has announced their departure from the studio. “My departure was voluntary, as I have been presented with an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” said Busche to Eurogamer. “I don’t want to say much more right now, but you can count on it being in the CRPG space and upholding the traditions of great characters.”

Image via EA

Busche didn’t leave without giving her regards to the marvelous fantasy RPG series. “I love Dragon Age, and BioWare, so the chance to return the game to a proper quality single player RPG was the privilege of a lifetime.”

A decent critical and fan response

Busche was tasked to steer the studio forward after the difficult release of Anthem and its negative feedback from critics and fans. “I did what I set out to do at BioWare,” she explained. “That is to come in and help right the ship.” Fans are “Mostly Positive” on Steam from almost 33,000 reviews on the platform.

“While it delivers stunning visuals and solid technical performance, the gameplay, storytelling, and RPG elements fail to capture the magic of its predecessors,” reads a popular Steam review with an overall negative assessment, adding, “what could have been a worthy successor instead feels like a step backward for the series and Bioware as a whole.” 450 people found this review helpful.

Destructoid’s Steven Mills somewhat disagrees, however. “If you’re looking for a solid RPG in a beautifully built world, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is certainly that,” says our review-in-progress. “The combat is fluid and satisfying, and the world of Thedas is well-designed and fun to explore.” The game ended up having a Generally Favorable 82 Metacritic score when it launched in October 2024.

The last entry, Dragon Age: Inquisition, won Game of the Year at The Game Awards, but The Veilguard failed even to be nominated for the award in 2024.

“BioWare still has a lot of work to do culturally, but I do believe they are on the right footing now,” Busche said to Eurogamer.

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