Featured Image Credit: Electronic Arts
Topics: Dragon Age, Bioware, EA, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Steam
Shocking to no one save those who don’t know the franchise well, Dragon Age: The Veilguard allows deeper exploration of Rook’s gender identity.
BioWare first introduced a trans character in Dragon Age: Inquisition, however, Krem was only an NPC rather than the lead.
This time around, the developers have ensured that all identities are catered for.
It's almost time to play Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Check out its official launch trailer below
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The news that the new Dragon Age includes such diversity shouldn’t be this divisive, but as is the norm (sadly), certain sections of the gaming community aren’t happy.
Over the course of The Veilguard, your Rook can establish a trans identity, which in turn leads to extra dialogue paths opening up.
Additional conversation points based on your identity have been part and parcel of BioWare games, and RPGs in general, for years.
If you’re playing as a qunari, you don’t want dialogue options for elves to be your only choice; the same is true if you’re playing as a non-binary or trans character.
For long-time fans of the franchise, seeing this option available – to be able to have a trans lead – is a massive win.
Ever since we first met Krem, we’d hoped BioWare would eventually give us the option to play as a trans character.
Sadly, as with any joyous moment in video games, there are some who are against this feature.
I won’t waste your time with some of the cruel comments being made. Instead, we’re going to focus on what this is: a positive step in the right direction for a beloved series.
“I'm not trans, but why are people hating on it? Could add a lot of replayability,” posted Twitter user @KupoNut_Max.
They continued, “The people who are mad always played female characters, gnomes, goblins, etc and didn't have to completely identify with those choices. Why is this is a bridge too far? Anyways, grats guys.”
As far as the majority are concerned, this is an “incredible” moment in Dragon Age’s history.
It’s yet another reason why the game is proving so popular with both new and returning fans.
What is more, it gives us hope that Mass Effect 5 will also take that leap and begin to broaden its inclusivity.
We’re hopeful for the future.