What was Dragon Age inspired by?

What was Dragon Age Inspired By?

The Dragon Age series, a popular franchise of role-playing video games, has a rich history of inspiration drawn from various sources. From fantasy novels to real-world historical events, the creators of the game have woven together a tapestry of influences to create a unique and engaging gaming experience. In this article, we will delve into the inspirations behind the Dragon Age series, exploring the literary, historical, and cultural influences that have shaped the game’s world and characters.

Literary Influences

One of the primary inspirations behind Dragon Age is the fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. The game’s world, Thedas, shares similarities with the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, with its complex political landscape and morally ambiguous characters. The game’s storyline, which explores themes of power, loyalty, and redemption, is also reminiscent of Martin’s works.

Another notable literary influence is the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. The game’s use of magical systems, prophetic themes, and epic battles draws inspiration from Jordan’s iconic series.

Historical Influences

Dragon Age’s world is also influenced by real-world historical events and cultures. The game’s setting, Thedas, is loosely based on medieval Europe, with its feudal systems, knightly orders, and monarchical structures. The game’s nations, such as Ferelden and Orlais, draw inspiration from historical countries like England and France.

Cultural Influences

The game’s characters and cultures are also influenced by various cultural and mythological traditions. The game’s use of magic, for example, draws inspiration from African, Asian, and European folklore and mythology. The game’s various factions, such as the Qunari and the Dalish, draw inspiration from African and Native American cultures.

Specific Inspirations

Here are some specific examples of the inspirations behind the game:

• Ferelden, one of the game’s nations, is inspired by medieval England.
• Orlais, another nation, is inspired by 18th-century France.
• The Qunari, a faction, is inspired by African and Asian cultures.
• The Dalish, another faction, is inspired by Native American cultures.

Magical Systems

The game’s magical systems, such as the Fade and the Fadeless, draw inspiration from various mythological and magical traditions. The game’s use of magical rituals, for example, is inspired by African and Native American spiritual practices.

Themes and Storytelling

The game’s themes, such as power, loyalty, and redemption, are inspired by literary and historical sources. The game’s storytelling, which explores complex moral dilemmas and character development, is inspired by A Song of Ice and Fire and Wheel of Time.

Conclusion

The Dragon Age series is a testament to the power of inspiration, drawing from a wide range of literary, historical, and cultural sources. From fantasy novels to real-world historical events, the game’s creators have woven together a rich tapestry of influences to create a unique and engaging gaming experience. By exploring the inspirations behind the game, we can gain a deeper understanding of the game’s world and characters, and appreciate the complexity and depth of the game’s storytelling.

Table: Dragon Age Inspirations

Bullet Points:

• A Song of Ice and Fire inspired the game’s world, characters, and themes.
• Wheel of Time inspired the game’s magical systems and prophetic themes.
• Medieval Europe inspired the game’s feudal systems and knightly orders.
• 18th-century France inspired the game’s monarchical structures and courtly intrigue.
• African and Native American cultures inspired the game’s magical systems and cultural practices.