How Frostbite Ruined BioWare

I happened to come across this video analysis of the Frostbite engine, its history at EA, and how the games produced on it ultimately turned out. I know for some the title is click-baity, and for others, they don't believe that Frostbite alone amounted to all the issues BioWare is having; which is pointed out at the beginning of the video. I'm posting this video because I think it paints a pretty clear picture as to why the engine can cause a lot of foundational problems for the studios seeking to work on it.




There's are some interesting quotes in there from several of the developers at BioWare who used Frostbite for DA:I:




My thoughts on Frostbite: I'm sure people who have seen my posts about Frostbite know that I'm pretty well against it being used by the studio. Mandate or not, there's a heavy-handedness in how the engine is pushed on its studios, and I feel as though a lack of consideration was taken when seeking to make usable across all of EA's studios. Do I believe the engine is the sole cause of BioWare's problems? No. I think there are other inherent problems going on in their studio, and its largely a managerial concern. However, I do believe that having to use an engine that bites your hand every step of the way does negatively impact the creative process. Having to put significantly more time into making even the simplest of design features (like an inventory system) probably doesn't do much for developer morale, and likely stifles any significant design choices the studio would like to make.