INSIDER EXCLUSIVE: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Hits 1 Million Sales Amid Grim BioWare Atmosphere...

I received an update from another source from within Electronic Arts, revealing that Dragon Age: The Veilguard has surpassed 1 million sales. While I’m still hesitant to fully trust these numbers, given the ongoing issues and lackluster reception surrounding the title, it's important in the interest of my always ongoing pursuit of full transparency of information, that I share this information with all of you.

This "milestone" comes directly from an internal message that was sent out, and it's likely that BioWare will soon initiate a marketing push to spotlight these figures and make it sound like they're winning, when... in reality, people behind the scenes know better, and that this game, even at the rumored 1 million sales number, is still a massive flop.

Being in development for the better part of a decade, many estimates are pinning the break even for sales numbers somewhere in the 5 million copies sold range. This is - thus far... a far cry from that...

The email I received stated:

"Concerning sales, the game has reached 1m copies over the weekend according to news we got. So your (initial) source is not accurate? Or there is something I am confused about numbers we get told and can see. We have the launch party this week for the game; it will be grim. And there are a huge number of freakouts. I hope your source is still safe from the investigations going on!"

There have been a lot of questions from the community since I posted this to Twitter, with many wondering if this figure includes sales thru to customers, or just to stores, and if it takes into account returns... Unfortunately, I can't confirm any of that at this time - all I have to go by is what was stated in the email. I will follow up with the source for more information surrounding this number, but for now, take it for what it's worth.

Despite the reported sales, according my insider, the atmosphere at BioWare is anything but celebratory. Morale is at an all time low, and there’s extreme tension surrounding the game’s reception and the state of internal relations. The response to The Veilguard has been weak af, with youtubers and players alike voicing concerns about its quality and perceived indoctrination, alongside a severe lack of any innovation. Amid this, internal pressures are taking a toll on BioWare’s team, adding multiple layers of stress to an already difficult launch...

The individual who shared this information also spoke about the recent video I released about BioWare’s internal challenges, expressing gratitude for accurately depicting the studio's issues from another insider at BioWare. While I can't share full specific details for obvious reasons, here’s a part of their initial message, which sheds light on BioWare’s internal strife and the broader climate within their division:

"As someone working at [REDACTED], I can confirm that the issues you highlighted are widespread, and many studios are facing the same challenges. Unfortunately, it’s not just BioWare that's dealing with pressure from certain vocal groups within the workplace... Your video hit the mark so well that it inadvertently shared details which could potentially identify the individual who provided you with the information.

I’ve seen firsthand how [REDACTED]. The [REDACTED], which was up for only a few hours, even received support from some of the higher-ups in the LGBTQ+ community within the company."

This individual confirmed that the issues I highlighted in my initial video are widespread across the companies under EA, with many studios facing similar pressures from vocal groups within the workplace.

This NEW whistleblower noted two main concerns within their lengthy email to me:

• The video I made was so accurate that it could potentially have risked exposing the identity of a whistleblower, which actually led to a very real life situation where hostility came from [REDACTED], some employees called for retribution against the original whistleblower. Although the [REDACTED] was later removed, the incident underscores just how crazy these people really are - and the potential dangers for any employees who speak out.

  • I spoke with that original whistleblower after publishing that initial video and he put me at ease that no one there knows it was him at this time, but the reaction from the fallout of that video speaks volumes for the atmosphere at BioWare right now. They're more concerned with silencing any 'whistleblowers' than addressing any actual issues within the company: Much like Firewalk Studios before their ultimate demise, the toxic positivity has taken over the workplace...

• He then went on to highlight that broader issue of "positive toxicity," where raising legitimate concerns has now led to fear of backlash and being labeled as "negative" or "harmful." This culture COMPLETELY stifles open criticism, with hiring practices prioritizing diversity over talent and penalizing dissent.

They expressed concern about the rising influence of activist groups and corporate greed, and warned that dissent from BioWare's ideologies comes with severe consequences. The message ended with a request for me to continue investigating and exposing the culture of mob mentality, emphasizing the DIRE need to challenge their conformity pressures.

Specifically stating, among a lot more that I cannot repeat here for privacy concerns:

"The underlying problem, as I see it, stems from the growing corporate greed and the increasing influence of these activist groups. Their views are being pushed onto everyone, and dissent is often met with severe consequences. I am honestly concerned just writing this message, as it could jeopardize my position if it were to be traced back to me."

These internal conditions raise some serious questions about Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s trajectory. It’s uncertain if the reported sales will translate into any kind of long-term success or if they’re just a brief uptick... and I am definitely not holding my breath.

BioWare’s struggles paint a larger picture of an entire industry grappling with ideological divides and growing corporate pressures. At its core, this is another good reminder of the dangers of unchecked mob mentality and the harm it does to workplace culture... and why we need to continue to highlight it specifically.

I'll obviously be monitoring The Veilguard’s progress and BioWare’s state closely. The culture of fear and suppression at EA and BioWare warrants close attention, and I’m committed to reporting on it. The way things are headed, it sure feels like BioWare is not long for this planet at this rate, and maybe, the way they're going... that's a good thing.

Though, to my source and the many others at BioWare and throughout the entire video game industry right now facing these struggles, I feel for you.

Please stay safe and vigilant. Know that you are always welcome to email me at info@SmashJT.com with any additional insight you'd like for me to get out there for you. I genuinely want to help put the video game industry back on track, because from what we're all witnessing these days, at many companies, it has fallen off the rails...

~Smash