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 a lack of broad appeal, suggesting the need for "shared-world features and deeper engagement" alongside strong narratives to capture a wider audience. This statement implied that incorporating multiplayer elements might have boosted sales.

However, this interpretation clashes with the game's development history. As previously reported, a significant development reboot, driven by EA, transitioned Dreadwolf from a planned multiplayer game to a single-player RPG. This contradicts Wilson's post-launch analysis.

Several former BioWare key figures voiced their opinions on social media. David Gaider, former narrative lead on Dragon Age, argued that EA's conclusion—that the game should have been live-service—is short-sighted and self-serving. He suggested EA should instead emulate Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3, focusing on the core strengths of the Dragon Age franchise that previously led to strong sales. He emphasized the enduring love for the IP and the existing audience waiting for a strong single-player experience.

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. His comments highlight the potential disconnect between EA's strategic vision and the creative vision of developers who built the franchise's success.

The outcome of these events is a seemingly stalled Dragon Age franchise and a significantly downsized BioWare, now fully committed to Mass Effect 5. EA's CFO, Stuart Canfield, acknowledged the evolving industry landscape and the financial underperformance of Dreadwolf as reasons for resource reallocation towards higher-potential projects. This effectively signals a shift in EA's priorities away from the Dragon Age franchise, at least for the foreseeable future.