Electronic Arts (EA) has long been a dominant force in the gaming industry, but its approach to RPG design hasn't always aligned with traditionalists. David Gaider, the lead writer behind Dragon Age: Origins and its sequels, recently shared insights into how EA viewed classic RPG elements as "slow and cumbersome" during his tenure at BioWare.

Gaider, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Dragon Age series, felt his advocacy for traditional mechanics was often dismissed. Despite the critical and commercial success of Dragon Age: Origins in 2009, EA's focus shifted toward broader audience appeal, leaving hardcore RPG fans feeling sidelined.

EA's "Nerd Cave" Mentality

In an interview with GamesRadar+, Gaider revealed EA's controversial perspective on RPG audiences. The company allegedly believed that dedicated RPG fans—whom they humorously referred to as "nerds in the cave"—would automatically support any RPG release. This mindset led EA to prioritize attracting casual players over satisfying core fans.

"You made an RPG, and the nerds in the cave would always show up," Gaider recalled EA's reasoning. "You didn't have to try and appeal to them. You had to worry about the people who weren't in the cave."

This philosophy may explain why later Dragon Age titles and Anthem—a commercial failure—diverged from BioWare's roots. With Dragon Age: The Veilguard underperforming, the franchise's future remains uncertain.

The Legacy of Dragon Age: Inquisition

Despite these challenges, Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) remains a standout entry, praised for its rich storytelling and expansive world. It holds an impressive 88/100 average on OpenCritic, proving that BioWare's RPG expertise still resonates when given the chance.

As BioWare shifts focus to the next Mass Effect game, fans wonder if Dragon Age will return to its roots—or continue chasing EA's elusive "larger audience."