Dragon Age: Inquisition has quietly become one of the most successful games published at EA, surpassing 12 million copies sold. BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah gave this update on the game’s commercial success in a post on on X.
The game’s massive success caught everyone off guard—even its publisher, Electronic Arts. EA’s internal projections were surpassed to an extend that no one saw coming. In the last weeks, rumors intensified on social media claiming that Inquisition had flopped. Darrah used the Tweet to make sure we are all on the same page.
With 12 Million copies sold, Dragon Age: Inquisition is BioWare’s best-selling game ever. The game has a lively community and a view at Inquisition’s weekly active players on Steam show that player numbers are still at very solid levels.
Released in 2014, Dragon Age: Inquisition hit the market during a relatively quiet year for gaming. This timing, combined with its expansive open world and deep character development, helped it capture critical acclaim and the attention of players for years to come.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The game faced criticism for its weaker “open world” model and some extensive filler content. Yet, its strength in storytelling and character arcs, especially in DLCs like “Trespasser,” kept players coming back for more.
Inquisition’s success is even more impressive when compared to other RPG giants. While it didn’t reach the stratospheric heights of Skyrim or The Witcher 3, its 12 million sales are nothing to be ashamed of. It proves that there’s room for different flavors in the RPG scene and that it is possible to launch successful titles in this genre despite some tough competition.
Darrah’s tweet also sheds light on BioWare’s journey. After mixed receptions for Dragon Age 2 and Mass Effect 3, Inquisition’s triumph was a much-needed win. It showed that BioWare still has what it takes to build a successful game that can proudly wear the EA badge.
The game’s success also shows that EA’s shift toward live-service models is not inevitable. It seems that fans still enjoy RPG titles—they could actually be a lucrative market in the coming years.
We will see if BioWare’s upcoming title Dragon Age: Veilguard will manage to capture its fans in the same way. The game is scheduled for release on 31st October 2024. Dragon Age: Inquisition’s success shows that studios and publishers alike don’t necessarily have to rely on live-service models to build a great fan base.
