BioWare co-founder Trent Oster says remastering Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age II is technically possible, though he warns the task is not trivial. This clarification addresses long-standing fan speculation about reviving the franchise. The statement matters to players hoping for updated versions of the early entries in the series.
Legacy engine fusion and staff experience gaps complicate any revival
Oster brings direct technical authority to the discussion. He led the development of both the Aurora and Eclipse engines that were combined to create the original games. His background gives him a unique perspective on the legacy codebase.
The core technical hurdle involves the fusion of two distinct game engines. Dragon Age: Origins used the Aurora engine while Dragon Age II relied on the Eclipse engine. Merging these disparate systems for a modern remaster requires significant engineering effort.
Former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such a project. He noted that current BioWare staff lack experience with the legacy Aurora-based Eclipse Engine. This skills gap adds another layer of difficulty to any potential remaster.
Electronic Arts is currently undergoing a $55 billion leveraged buyout to take the company private. This major corporate restructuring may influence future decisions regarding the Dragon Age franchise. The financial context adds uncertainty to any potential development plans.
Oster confirmed the technical possibility of a remaster but emphasized the substantial work required. Current BioWare teams do not have the specific engine experience needed for the task. The path forward remains unclear amid EA's ongoing corporate changes.
Source: TweakTown
