551 réponses à ce sujet

[CarlSpackler]

David Gaider wrote...

MoSa09 wrote...
As so many people mentioned the good voice acting (they're indeed awesome), did you writers had any share in the decisions who's going to voice the character you wrote? For example, could you make recommendations or veto a voice actor you thought would definetively not fit that character?

That would have been my job. I wouldn't call it a veto, but I did have input and could make suggestions -- but not all actors are available (or affordable) even if I do think they would be a great fit. So it was mostly a process of listening to auditions for the major characters and trying to pick out who would work. Going down and spending the first few sessions with them in person (the VA's for the major characters, I mean) was great fun, though.

BTW allow me to once again add my thanks to the writing staff (just an excellent gaming experience - so by extention to the rest of the development team as well.  Of course this thread is for the writers so...)

I have a question about the actors themselves and their take on the characters.  Did they have many questions for you and the other writers on how you envisioned the characters or once a VA was confirmed did they have license to voice they character as they understood them? 

[MoSa09]

David, i wonder how you went to invent a fantasy world from the sratch. I once read a book from David Eddings where he described in length and detail how he invented his fantasy world for his novels, and i started to wonder how you did this?

Where do you begin, what's the first thing you wrote for DAO? Do you start with a detail, like the Warden's, and build the world around them, do you start with the general world, a special plot twist you like to tell, or do you develop the general framework of the world first?

I just wonder, if you're willing and allowed to share, how the process of inventing Thedas and DAO from the very first idea along the process to the final product has evolved?

[addiction21]

MoSa09 wrote...

David, i wonder how you went to invent a fantasy world from the sratch. I once read a book from David Eddings where he described in length and detail how he invented his fantasy world for his novels, and i started to wonder how you did this?
Where do you begin, what's the first thing you wrote for DAO? Do you start with a detail, like the Warden's, and build the world around them, do you start with the general world, a special plot twist you like to tell, or do you develop the general framework of the world first?
I just wonder, if you're willing and allowed to share, how the process of inventing Thedas and DAO from the very first idea along the process to the final product has evolved?

Whoa those answers could fill their own book

The Dummies Guide to Crafting Worlds.  I wonder if I could trademark that now just incase.

[MoSa09]

addiction21 wrote...

Whoa those answers could fill their own book

The Dummies Guide to Crafting Worlds.  I wonder if I could trademark that now just incase.

yeah i know, maybe i should make myself more precise. I just asked if he could and would provide a little outlook and some interesting basic thoughts of that process, not that he devotes his time to write a lenghty answer. That request would indeed be pretty megalomaniacal .

And btw, as i said such a book already exists: it's a bit older (from the 80's if i remember correctly), but it provides a really lengthy inside view of how to invent a complete fantasy world that lasts through a series of ten novels from the scratch and offers good advice how to do that on your own if you want.

[thehistorysage]

dan107 wrote...

Obviously no one is talking about carrying over every minute decision three games down the road into a completely different story that has practically nothing to do with DAO just to mention it for the sake of mentioning it.

Exactly, and 'Awakenings', the expansion pack for THIS game has already been reported to take into account the choices you've made in THIS game. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm talking a couple of full blown games down the line, not expansions to 'Origins'. I definitely would have felt otherwise had 'Awakenings' been such a canonical story without any regard for the choices made in the base game. Two full blown games down the line though, if someone refers to the reign of a certain King, it's not going to bother me.

Maybe we were both closer on this than it appeared.

[Bryant84]

hi all just came across this forum and i also want to say a big thanks to all the people involved in making dragon age it is definitely up there with my all time favourite games, never before have i finished a game and started all over again straightaway i doff my cap in your direction bioware keep up the good work

[Semyaza82]

First of i should add to all the people saying 'thank you' for the fantastic writing in the game. I frequently laughed out loud, especially with Shale (though demanding stories with Griffins in from Wyne may be the bit i laughed hardest at). I'm on my 5th playthrough and still loving the game to bits.

I wanted to ask Mary and David how attached they still are to the world they, and the team, created? I know there are still plenty of DLC to come, and of course Awakenings, but are you guys getting sick of writing this particular world? I know the game has been being developed for years, so you must have spent a great deal of time on it already. Guess what i'm really asking is when does the urge to work on something new start to become stronger than the one to continue expanding one you've already made?

Hmmmm, that question was much more concise in my head

[SeanMurphy2]

I was really impressed with the complexity of the characters. It never felt like they were reciting one long backstory in a linear way. They seemed to be reacting to what was going on and commenting on things that had happened.

That reactivity is a great achievement. I never imagined it could be possible or done so well. Presumably it took a lot of effort to design and script.

I also liked how Leliana was capable of having conversations on varied issues. As though she is constantly musing on her surroundings and starts talking to you about whatever weird thought is in her head.

Modifié par SeanMurphy2, 11 janvier 2010 - 05:39 .

[Raoune]

MoSa09 wrote...

David, i wonder how you went to invent a fantasy world from the sratch. I once read a book from David Eddings where he described in length and detail how he invented his fantasy world for his novels, and i started to wonder how you did this?
Where do you begin, what's the first thing you wrote for DAO? Do you start with a detail, like the Warden's, and build the world around them, do you start with the general world, a special plot twist you like to tell, or do you develop the general framework of the world first?
I just wonder, if you're willing and allowed to share, how the process of inventing Thedas and DAO from the very first idea along the process to the final product has evolved?

I know I'm hardly the great Mr Gaider, but from my own experience...

The best way is to look at how you think of the world around you. How do you view the politics of your own country? How are inter-cultural relationships? Who lives in this country? What's their religion? What's the economy like? What in the history informs the present? Who rules, and how? And many other questions.

I always like to create a character first, as it gives you a human POV for the country. Then you can ask those questions from a personal point of view; how does the economy affect that person.

And the absolute must is find a good old fashioned pedant amongst your friends,and get them to ask you questions about the country. They'll always, always find something you hadn't thought of. My close buddies make a game of it; if one of them finds something to catch me out on, I have to buy them a beer. My friend Sam asked me a question about how the impending industrial revolution on Capital Isle will affect the fishermen that live on the (independently governed) island hamlet of Huntsmount. I blatantly was winging my answer, and he caught me out in minutes, darn him.

Modifié par Raoune, 11 janvier 2010 - 05:41 .

[MoSa09]

Raoune wrote...
I know I'm hardly the great Mr Gaider, but from my own experience...

The best way is to look at how you think of the world around you. How do you view the politics of your own country? How are inter-cultural relationships? Who lives in this country? What's their religion? What's the economy like? What in the history informs the present? Who rules, and how? And many other questions.

I always like to create a character first, as it gives you a human POV for the country. Then you can ask those questions from a personal point of view; how does the economy affect that person.

And the absolute must is find a good old fashioned pedant amongst your friends,and get them to ask you questions about the country. They'll always, always find something you hadn't thought of. My close buddies make a game of it; if one of them finds something to catch me out on, I have to buy them a beer. My friend Sam asked me a question about how the impending industrial revolution on Capital Isle will affect the fishermen that live on the (independently governed) island hamlet of Huntsmount. I blatantly was winging my answer, and he caught me out in minutes, darn him.

I know a bit from my own writing experiences, but i just wanted to take the opportunity to ask someone who's writing has inspired so many people worldwide to share their gratitude here. You're never too old to learn something new, and always learn from the best
.
But now you got me curious: you're a writer yourself, and have you written something i should know or worth reading (can also be fanfic or something)? I like a good story whereever it's published and share with people who like stories and like writing

[DragonRageGT]

Ferret A Baudoin wrote...

Responding to Zenocrates - yes, I wrote the beggars in the Elven Alienage. And Ser Otto in there, as well. And if you liked the Broken Circle Fade puzzle, that would be me and Gary Stewart (although other tech designers helped, as well).

When I came on to the project most of it had been written - so I wrote a lot of the sidequests and such before I moved over to DLC and wrote Warden's Keep and started the expansion.

I love the whole Mage Tower section, including the Fade. I have a great time there trying out many different ways to use the morphs! Loved WK's story but I was disappointed that I forgot the very last piece of the quest and I could not complete it in one particular playthrough.. had done it already.

Who wrote Summoning Science? I love that little puzzle and I finally memorized it all! =)

Could a "warning" before leaving the Keep be added in a future patch? Or if we could go back in, all the better!

[Raoune]

MoSa09 wrote...

Raoune wrote...
I know I'm hardly the great Mr Gaider, but from my own experience...

The best way is to look at how you think of the world around you. How do you view the politics of your own country? How are inter-cultural relationships? Who lives in this country? What's their religion? What's the economy like? What in the history informs the present? Who rules, and how? And many other questions.

I always like to create a character first, as it gives you a human POV for the country. Then you can ask those questions from a personal point of view; how does the economy affect that person.

And the absolute must is find a good old fashioned pedant amongst your friends,and get them to ask you questions about the country. They'll always, always find something you hadn't thought of. My close buddies make a game of it; if one of them finds something to catch me out on, I have to buy them a beer. My friend Sam asked me a question about how the impending industrial revolution on Capital Isle will affect the fishermen that live on the (independently governed) island hamlet of Huntsmount. I blatantly was winging my answer, and he caught me out in minutes, darn him.

I know a bit from my own writing experiences, but i just wanted to take the opportunity to ask someone who's writing has inspired so many people worldwide to share their gratitude here. You're never too old to learn something new, and always learn from the best
.
But now you got me curious: you're a writer yourself, and have you written something i should know or worth reading (can also be fanfic or something)? I like a good story whereever it's published and share with people who like stories and like writing

I understand completely, I'm looking forward too seeing his answer too!

I'm actually a playwright in Britain, and have had a few things on, but nothing much published. But I have a lot of old fanfiction, and one newer Dragon Age one which I tend to write at god knows what time at night, here http://www.fanfictio...~diggermcfoogle . And yes, some of it is horrifically bad, but I like to keep everything up there for the memories

How about you, is there anything you have to read? I'm the same with wanting to read as much as I can.

[MoSa09]

Raoune wrote...
I understand completely, I'm looking forward too seeing his answer too!

I'm actually a playwright in Britain, and have had a few things on, but nothing much published. But I have a lot of old fanfiction, and one newer Dragon Age one which I tend to write at god knows what time at night, here http://www.fanfictio...~diggermcfoogle . And yes, some of it is horrifically bad, but I like to keep everything up there for the memories

How about you, is there anything you have to read? I'm the same with wanting to read as much as I can.

Jeez, i hope we're not spamming this topic that is for giving the writers of BioWare their well deserved crdit . If so, just drop me a hint and i'll stop immediately.
Most probably not. I'm a Journalist and Freelancer writer. More than 10 years back, i had the opportunity to work on some Adventures for a small p&p roleplaying game, but as i was new to the business, i had a really minor part in them, and that company is long gone (not my fault i want to add ).
I actually started working on a larger DAO fanfic, but at the moment, i am literally drowning in my workload so when i'm home, i can't get myself to continue and simply play a bit more DAO or hang around here. Hopefully, times will get better and i can continue this some day.
And many thx for your link, i just started to take a look at it.

Modifié par MoSa09, 11 janvier 2010 - 06:30 .

[Raoune]

To bring it back on topic then....



Thanks for the writers for creating a world that has in turn inspired people to be creative!

[Miral100]

This game completely wrecked my schedule and murdered my productivity. This was an impressive gaming experience and succeeded in reviving my rather dorkish interest in fantasy - the rather hackneyed title "Dragon Age" does not adequately suggest just how interesting the game (and its setting)  really is.

This was a far more engrossing playing experience than either baldur's gate or neverwinter nights (and these were really quite unforgettable in themselves); the NPCs actually seemed quite real (which isn't the case for other rpgs) and were really likeable (Wynne, Alistair) or just plain funny (Oghren). The dialogue was superb - I rarely pressed the ESC key. Being a mage in Thedas was about the most clean fun I had for a long time.

Modifié par Miral100, 11 janvier 2010 - 07:18 .

[bstrothe]

To Mr. Gaider, Ms Chee, Ms. Kirby, and the rest of the Bioware staff, well done. Dragon Age has a very vivid setting, and while the story holds well-within the traditional fantasy genre, it does so with its own style and point of view which I find quite entertaining.



I have gone so far as to read all the codex, the two novels, and even the pen & paper RPG. Looking forward to more to come with DLCs, the expansion and whatever else you have in store for us.



Thanks.

[Dragoon001]

David Gaider wrote...

MoSa09 wrote...
As so many people mentioned the good voice acting (they're indeed awesome), did you writers had any share in the decisions who's going to voice the character you wrote? For example, could you make recommendations or veto a voice actor you thought would definetively not fit that character?

That would have been my job. I wouldn't call it a veto, but I did have input and could make suggestions -- but not all actors are available (or affordable) even if I do think they would be a great fit. So it was mostly a process of listening to auditions for the major characters and trying to pick out who would work. Going down and spending the first few sessions with them in person (the VA's for the major characters, I mean) was great fun, though.

After Kotor and ME I thought Jenifer Hale would be a permant VA for Bioware. So I was a bit suprised and sad she wasn't part of DAO cast. Her VA in ME really got me. Her tone perfectly matched the type of Shephard I had in mind, that  I wanted to play. Disciplined and cold, confident and strong.
Well, can't wait to hear her again in ME2 and Old Republic and maybe in a future DAO expansion?

Modifié par Dragoon001, 11 janvier 2010 - 11:19 .

[Ginasue]

I also like the summoning circle. Love doing all the parts of it, but I usually wait and go back and do it after I've completed the circle.

[legendinthemaking]

Just joined and this is my first post, woot!
    


To start - DA:O has been absolutely amazing. It was really the relationships you developed with the other characters that made this game resonate so powerfully with me. I'm actually writing fan fiction right now about my character's relationship with Morrigan... never did that with other games. The writers did a phenomenal job in creating a world that you could truly immerse yourself in, filled with characters that felt real. I can't praise the writers enough for this.
   


One suggestion for future Dragon Age works is to have the ability to talk with companions about stuff that happened in the plot. This was the case in Mass Effect; right after a mission, I would always talk to Ashley and see what she had to say about what just happened. I absolutely loved this about ME and was a bit bummed it wasn't in DA:O... like, something major just happened and my only non-romance dialogue option with Morrigan is "Can you teach others to be shapeshifters?" (I exhausted all the others:P). Even in the middle of a quest, my teammates would have the same dialogue options as those in camp. I think a small change like having quest-specific conversation options would go a long way. 
   


I'm only saying this because I consider DA:O to be one of, if not THE best game I've ever played and this is one area I found that could make it even better. Just something to consider. The banter between characters while running around was awesome, btw... it made them feel a lot more alive than just NPC following you around. And this is a bit random, but I found it very cool to be able to switch between characters... especially Dog

Modifié par legendinthemaking, 12 janvier 2010 - 01:55 .

[Dlokir]

EJon wrote...
...I don't know why everyone wants a happy ending with her....

Great man, I DO NOT THANK YOU AT ALL, for this awfull spoil in the forum section with, what again? NO SPOILER ALLOWED.

You spoil the game for me, spoil the end, what a crap. What are doing the moderators? This thread should be throw in the SPOIL SECTION.

Great so now I know a dramatic event and can even imagine the details, Flemeth coming back, that simple. And it won't work for me, because knowing it before is making it very different.

For me the Morrigan character has something wrong in the writting. She is ready to kill anybody for the power, very unsane personality to be that. But all the rest of her character doesn't match this point. It feels wrong and poor psychology.

So knowing the end now, is very perverse, it makes me look her negatively, as a potential terrible serial killer with no bit of humanity... so now she can die I don't care. You'll say that this show how efficient is the writing, wrong the big effects is easy, and work easilly for many people.

EDIT: Well the ugly spoil made me wrote a bit fast. To be more exact, Morrigan ready to kill anybody including innocent people for the power, doesn't match with the rest of her personality. And that is very poor writing. But if you remove this element the rest of her character is well written I cannot deny this evidence.

Modifié par Dlokir, 12 janvier 2010 - 02:04 .

[legendinthemaking]

I don't see how the ending was revealed at all, actually...

[Dlokir]

Really? Well I'd be surprised to be that wrong, it's not the original post that spoiled me the end or one point of the end, it's the series of posts quoting the point or debating about it. I read them without to fully realize the spoil and at end I knew something I should not have knew even if it's not the detail.

[David Gaider]

While no specifics were mentioned, some people have indeed been inadvertantly free with some details of the plot. I'll move it to the spoiler forum.

[Korvayer]

Alistair is the most relevant, believable, and entertaining video game character in recent memory.  Never have I witnessed a character come to life in the way that he has, nor have I felt such empathy for a fictional companion.  I want to thank the writers and voice actor Steve Valentine for all the artistry and emotion that went into realizing Alistair.  Absolutely phenomenal!

[Korvayer]

Alistair is the most relevant, believable, and entertaining video game character in recent memory. Never have I witnessed a character come to life in the way that he has, nor have I felt such empathy for a fictional companion. I want to thank the writers and voice actor Steve Valentine for all the artistry and emotion that went into realizing Alistair. Absolutely phenomenal!