Dragon Age: The Veilguard, BioWare’s latest installment in the beloved Dragon Age franchise, has faced a rocky reception since its release earlier this year. Despite its ambitious world-building and familiar fantasy charm, the game has struggled to make an impact in Steam’s 2024 rankings, trailing behind several major competitors in terms of player engagement and reviews.
A Disappointing Turn for a Legendary Franchise
Once a titan in the RPG genre, the Dragon Age series has been a favorite among fans for its deep storytelling, memorable characters, and complex moral choices. However, The Veilguard has not lived up to expectations, facing criticism for several key issues that have hindered its performance on Steam.
Why The Veilguard Is Falling Short
1. Lackluster Gameplay Mechanics
Many players have pointed out that the game’s combat feels outdated, especially compared to modern RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Elden Ring. While The Veilguard attempts to streamline tactical elements for a wider audience, fans of the franchise lament the lack of depth and strategy that defined earlier entries.
2. Technical Issues
Performance problems have plagued the game since launch, with reports of frame drops, crashes, and graphical glitches across PC configurations. Steam reviews frequently cite these issues as a major drawback, with one user stating:
“The story has potential, but the bugs make it hard to enjoy the experience.”
3. Mixed Reception to Story Changes
While the narrative was a selling point for many, some long-time fans feel disconnected from the new direction taken in The Veilguard. The introduction of new characters and a more linear plot has been met with mixed reactions, with many players longing for the dynamic choices and branching paths of earlier Dragon Age games.
4. Tough Competition
Released in a year filled with RPG juggernauts, The Veilguard has struggled to stand out. Games like Starfield, Baldur’s Gate 3, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom have dominated player attention, leaving little room for BioWare’s latest effort to carve its own space.
Steam’s Metrics Tell the Story
- Concurrent Players: At launch, The Veilguard peaked at around 85,000 concurrent players—a respectable number but far below the competition. As of now, those numbers have dropped significantly, with average daily players hovering around 15,000.
- User Reviews: The game currently holds a Mixed rating on Steam, with 63% of reviews being positive. Common complaints center on the lack of polish and repetitive quest design.
- Engagement Time: Players report dropping off after 15-20 hours of gameplay, citing a lack of motivation to continue due to pacing issues and limited replayability.
