Dragon Age News Thread

I think the JOH method was a great compromise. The map had a focused goal, but also nice side quests that took you around and gave you reason for exploring. I really like the large open maps we can explore and hope they don't move away from that.

No popcorn in the bowl, let's have some twinkies. 

I've only recently realised that the VA strike is still on-going. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. If so, how will this affect DA4?

All the details are here: link

Here's an excerpt from the FAQ:


All video games, including work such as DLC and trailers under the Interactive Contract, that went into production after February 17, 2015 for the following employers: Activision Publishing Inc.; Blindlight, LLC; Corps of Discovery Films; Disney Character Voices, Inc.; Electronic Arts Productions, Inc.; Formosa Interactive, LLC; Insomniac Games, Inc.; Interactive Associates, Inc.; Take 2 Interactive Software; VoiceWorks Productions, Inc.; and WB Games, Inc.

All other employers are encouraged to continue production.

Members can continue to work on other projects, such as Animation, TV/Film, Corporate/Education, Audiobooks, Commercials, etc.

If you suspect that a member is working on a struck production, please contact the hotline at (323) 549-6815. Please know, the community has decided to strike because the short-term risk of loss-of-work is outweighed by the long-term gain of a better contract in a growing industry.


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FWIW, Anthem is more at risk, since it's coming out first. Usual alternatives are: 1) studio hires scabs (non-union VA's), 2) studio makes a private deal with the union (very unlikely, since it undermines the industry's position as a whole).

I think Anthem could use union VAs if they wanted as it started production before the deadline. For DA4 though, no.

Yeah, it'd be inconvenient if they couldn't have the same VAs for any returning characters. Though they've undoubtedly considered this and have adjusted plans accordingly - perhaps fewer returning characters than they might have originally planned, and recasting those who are. But as you say, it's not as though they don't have options - they can hire non-union talent.

Good point! Unless the start date of production is defined with respect to the Interactive Contract with SAG-AFTRA, in which case who knows what date that might be?

Another bit of good news -- I can't find any code name that would match DA4 or Anthem on the list of struck games:

www.sagaftra.org/files/struck_video_game_productions_list_3.20.172.pdf


ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     American Football '17
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     American Football '18
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Dm3
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Fearless
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Fifa 17
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Hockey '17
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Hockey '18
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Nut
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Odin
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Pets
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Racing
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Scorpion
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Sims Olympus a/k/a Sims 4
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Speed
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Timbits
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Ultimate Fight
ELECTRONIC ARTS PRODUCTIONS     Worlds

Of course, the code names used in a union contract might not be the code names that we or even the devs would know about -- could be completely made up by Legal.

If I saw Javelin or Wolf or Rook (referring to the iconic burning castle tower with wolf head in the flame image associated with DA4) in the list, I'd be worried.

Leonidas Olympia‏ @leonidasolympia
The main feature of 2 that I liked more than Origins or Inquisition was that characters were "player sexual". But people got offended 😒

Mike Laidlaw‏ @mike_Laidlaw
While I understand the pull to playersexual, I feel that having characters with stronger identities lets us tell stronger stories.

It's a relief to know that they aren't going for playersexuals for DA4

Aww. I always imagined Twitter people as only being able to talk only in two monosyllable sentences at a time, and yet- I want to see the love. Is there some link to the conversation??

Road‏ @thatroadguy
Someday, I'll grow up, and when I do...

pbs.twimg.com/media/DET-yhBU0AA-z1y.jpg

Mike Laidlaw‏ @mike_Laidlaw
Ahhh yes. This screenshot lives in my heart alongside Tub Geralt as A+ silly content.

Jennifer Scheurle @gaohmee
Can't believe me, a game designer has to ask this but... playersexual manes a character is attracted to the player no matter what yes?

Mike Laidlaw @mike_Laidlaw
That's the common usage.
As opposed to say Origins where Leland is canon bi while Morrigan is straight.

Mark Darrah @biomarkdarrah
It may also mean that they are NOT bi but rather this weird uncollapsed waveform. There sexuality is (and always has been) player compatible

Jennifer Scheurle‏ @gaohmee
What are your thoughts on it Mark?

Mark Darrah‏ @biomarkdarrah
Better than no choice but it restricts story telling opportunities.
I think this was also done in the Blade Runner game re replicant status