BioWare has confirmed that its forthcoming RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, will introduce an exciting new feature for fans: a native photo mode. This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that such a feature will be included, offering players unprecedented control over capturing their in-game experiences.
Scheduled for release on 31 October, The Veilguard is the fourth mainline entry in the acclaimed Dragon Age series. As the release date approaches, both BioWare and EA have been actively engaged in a promotional campaign, gradually disclosing new details about the game to build anticipation.
A First for the Series
In a recent announcement, BioWare revealed that The Veilguard will feature an integrated photo mode from launch. This addition is set to be a significant enhancement, distinguishing The Veilguard from its predecessors. According to information provided to IGN, the photo mode will offer a range of conventional and advanced functionalities designed to enhance players’ ability to capture the perfect shot.
The interface for the photo mode will be divided into five distinct tabs, each providing different categories of adjustments. Players will have access to a set of standard tools, including sliders for focal length, aperture, and basic image attributes such as brightness, contrast, saturation, and bloom intensity. This array of options aims to provide a comprehensive suite of tools for users to experiment with their in-game photography.
Camera Controls and Visibility Options
The photo mode will feature a fully free-roaming camera, allowing users to explore the environment from various angles and perspectives. While movement will be restricted to a predefined radius around the player’s party—consistent with many modern photo modes—the level of control provided will enable users to find and frame their ideal shots with relative ease.
Additionally, the photo mode will include four visibility toggles. These toggles will allow players to show or hide different elements within the frame, including the protagonist, companions, enemies, and other non-playable characters (NPCs). This flexibility will enable players to craft images that highlight specific aspects of their gameplay experience or create more dramatic compositions by adjusting the presence of various characters and elements.
Influence of Previous Projects
BioWare Director Corinne Busche has acknowledged that the decision to include a photo mode in The Veilguard was influenced by the positive reception of a similar feature in Mass Effect Legendary Edition. The 2021 remaster of the beloved Mass Effect trilogy included its own photo mode, which was well-received by fans and critics alike. Busche credited BioWare Producer Brenon Holmes with advocating for the inclusion of the photo mode in The Veilguard and contributing significantly to its development.
While The Veilguard does not use the same game engine as Mass Effect Legendary Edition, it is possible that some of the underlying code from the previous project was adapted for the new title. If this is the case, players may also find familiar features such as filters and a film grain slider, which were part of the photo mode in the Mass Effect remasters.
The addition of a photo mode to Dragon Age: The Veilguard represents a significant enhancement for the series, offering players new ways to engage with and document their adventures in the game. As the release date approaches, this feature is likely to be a key point of interest for both long-time fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. With the photo mode set to provide a broad range of creative options, players will soon have the opportunity to capture and share their in-game experiences in unprecedented detail.
As the gaming community prepares for the launch of The Veilguard, anticipation continues to build. The introduction of the photo mode not only reflects BioWare’s commitment to enhancing the player experience but also highlights a broader trend within the gaming industry towards providing more immersive and flexible gameplay features. With the game’s release just around the corner, all eyes will be on how well these new features are received and how they may shape future entries in the Dragon Age series.
