Dragon Age Creative Director Matthew Goldman Leaves Bioware

Bioware is hard at work with the next Dragon Age game, but the game might not be quite how it used to be. Matthew Goldman, the games senior creative director, is leaving the studio.

Goldman had been with the franchise for about 19 years, having worked as an art director for all of Dragon Age, Jade Empire, and even other Bioware titles like Baldurs Gate 2, Neverwinter Nights, and Kotor. According to a report by PC Gamer, the Bioware VP and GM Gary McKay announced the departure internally, stating that the leave was a mutual decision.

We understand that Matt's departure has an impact on you as well as the game's development. Rest assured our commitment to a high-quality Dragon Age game has not waivered, and we will not ship a game that is not up to Bioware's standards.
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We, including EA's executive team, have absolute confidence in the leadership here at the studio and the people working on this game to carry forward our vision.

Initially, this draws a certain feeling of concern as to how the upcoming Dragon Age 4 might change as a result. But were reminded of back in 2018, when the co-director of Animal Crossing, Isao Moro, left Nintendo. At the time, there was a worry that the yet-to-be-released Animal Crossing: New Horizons wouldnt be the same as a result. Then it comes out and becomes one of the biggest Nintendo titles of all time.

Perhaps Dragon Age 4 will still be a smash hit. We wont know until it releases. Which will be some point in time, we dont know yet. All weve seen is a trailer for it at the 2020 Game Awards.

Either way, we wish Goldman the best of luck in whatever his future holds.