Five months ago, "Dragon Age: The Veilguard" was released by BioWare as the latest adventure in the popular role-playing game series with great expectations and a lot of hype. But now, barely more than half a year after its release, the game is causing a stir - not because of positive reviews or groundbreaking new features, but because it suddenly Free for PlayStation Plus members will be offered. Reactions to the surprising decision are mixed, and many are asking the question: was this measure planned from the outset, or is it a reaction to disappointing sales figures?
That came as a surprise
The announcement that "Dragon Age: The Veilguard" would be joining the PS Plus range after such a short time has both shocked and surprised many players. In forums such as Reddit the reactions to the announcement are simply pouring in: "Omg, what did I buy the game for? Quick sell Dragon Age!" writes one disappointed buyer. Another adds: "Has Veilguard really been such a flop? I'm looking forward to trying it out, but this is very surprising." These statements reflect the feeling of many that they may have invested in a game that not only loses its value quickly, but also becomes a total loss when sold.
The question remains: Was this part of BioWare and EA's strategy from the outset to make the game accessible to a wider audience at an earlier stage, or is this a desperate attempt to save a flagging title? Its inclusion in the PlayStation Plus line-up suggests that "Dragon Age: The Veilguard" has not resonated with buyers as hoped. The sales figures appear to be to have been disappointingand the publisher may have responded by making the game available as a free incentive.
A new chance for Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
However, some voices on social media are not quite so negative. "Oh yeah! I don't have to wait until it's on sale, Dragon Age Veilguard, here I come!" explains one player, who is visibly relieved to be able to enjoy the game at no extra cost. "I don't think it's so bad that it's on a monthly deal. I don't care, I wanted it anyway, but now I'm saving myself the 100 Australian dollars"he adds. For such players, the decision may be a positive turn of events, allowing them to experience the game without any financial outlay.
There are also people who are just discovering the game: "Seeing the latest Dragon Age game here shocked me. I've never played Dragon Age before and this one seemed interesting, so I'm definitely going to try it out." The fact that a game can be accessed quickly and at no extra cost naturally attracts new players who are not put off by the wide availability.
The decision to stop the game so quickly PlayStation Plus has left a lasting impression. However, the question remains as to whether it was the result of a strategic plan or a reaction to poor sales. Either way, for many gamers it is now an opportunity to try out the game without the pressure of full price - and perhaps the move by BioWare and EA has not yet spoken the last word.
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