Why is Dragon Age called Dragon Age?
The Dragon Age franchise, developed by BioWare, has been thrilling gamers for over a decade with its rich storytelling, engaging characters, and challenging gameplay. But have you ever wondered why the game is called Dragon Age in the first place? As it turns out, there are several reasons behind this title, and we’ll dive into them in this article.
Direct Answer:
The name "Dragon Age" was initially intended to refer to a specific time period in the game’s world, not literally an age of dragons. According to Origin’s Creative Director, Brent O’Brien, the game was meant to take place in a world where "the dragons are mostly gone", and "the age of the Dragon" was a significant historical period in the world’s history.
Key Takeaways:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Named after a historical period | The game’s world is centered around the "Age of the Dragon", a crucial period in the world’s history. |
| "Dragon" implies power and significance | Dragons, as powerful and sacred creatures, symbolize strength, wisdom, and age. |
| Age implies a time of great change | The use of "Age" hints at a period of immense transformation, which is central to the game’s storyline. |
In-depth Analysis:
Let’s explore the concept of time in the Dragon Age universe. The game’s timeline is divided into different ages, each marked by significant events and transformations. The Age of the Dragon, in particular, refers to a period when humans and dragons coexisted, with dragons being considered sacred and powerful beings. This era was marked by great change, as human society was shaped by its interactions with these mighty creatures.
Inspiration from Literature:
BioWare’s creative team drew inspiration from various sources, including A Song of Ice and Fire, a fantasy book series by George R. R. Martin. This influence is evident in the game’s world-building and character development. The authors’ use of ambiguous morality and gray areas in their world-building resonated with BioWare’s vision for the Dragon Age series.
Evolution of the Franchise:
As the franchise evolved, the significance of the title "Dragon Age" expanded to include themes of moral ambiguity, gray morality, and the consequences of power. While the initial intention was to focus on a specific period in the world’s history, the title has come to represent the broader themes of the series.
Additional Insights:
- According to Dragon Age’s lead writer, David Gaider, the title "Dragon Age" was chosen because it seemed to capture the essence of the game’s world: "a world of fantasy, with dragons being a key part of the mythology".
- Dragon Age: Inquisition‘s director, Mike Laidlaw, mentioned that the team aimed to create a story that would "make people care about the world of Thedas" and the "legend of the dragons", emphasizing the importance of world-building and storytelling in the series.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the name "Dragon Age" was chosen to reflect a significant period in the world’s history, marked by great change and transformation. While the initial intention focused on a specific era, the title has evolved to encompass the broader themes and ideas that define the series. As we continue to explore the world of Dragon Age, we’re reminded of the importance of context, world-building, and storytelling in creating a captivating gaming experience.