25 réponses à ce sujet

[Tigress M]

Please don't hate on me if you're seeing this question for the umpteenth time.  If there's a thread (or threads) where this was asked and answered by all means point me to it/them.  Google and Forum searches have been less than helpful.  

 

I know the lore, but since I first heard what they were naming DA3 way back in the day I've wondered why they picked that name.  Speculation is cool but if anyone has seen anything from BioWare specifically explaining why they chose this name, I'd really appreciate seeing that.

 

[BansheeOwnage]

Please don't hate on me if you're seeing this question for the umpteenth time.  If there's a thread (or threads) where this was asked and answered by all means point me to it/them.  Google and Forum searches have been less than helpful.  

 

I know the lore, but since I first heard what they were naming DA3 way back in the day I've wondered why they picked that name.  Speculation is cool but if anyone has seen anything from BioWare specifically explaining why they chose this name, I'd really appreciate seeing that.

Because the whole game is about the Inquisition? Bioware always wanted each game to have it's own subtitle, but EA forced Dragon Age 2 to be called "Dragon Age 2", because they thought it would sell better (like how Microsoft made Bungie call the first Halo "Halo: Combat Evolved" to sell better since it didn't sound particularly like a shooter). If I remember correctly, DA2 was originally going to be called Dragon Age: Exodus. It seems this time around they convinced EA that they should name their game what they want.

 

They are all called something that relates to something central to each game. I don't think it's more complicated than that.

[akbogert]

My first thought upon reading, "Why name it Inquisition?"

Because no one expects it.

 

Is your question why they didn't just call it DA3 (or why the dropped the 3 from the title)? Or why they named the entire enterprise an inquisition?

[Evamitchelle]

They probably dropped the 3 to distance themselves from DA2, which wasn't particularly well-received. 

 

Back in 2012 when details were leaked about 'Dragon Age 3' there were a couple of possible names that were given as well: "Along with these story and mechanics hints, a few possible names for Dragon Age 3 were provided. A number, it seems, just doesn’t do the trick these days. ‘Dragon Age 3: The Breach,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Exarch,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Inquisition,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Inquisitor,’ and ‘Dragon Age 3: Apocrypha’ were all provided for fan feedback, leaving the door open for potential DLC or expansion titles as well." Out of those possible titles I'm not surprised Inquisition won out. 

[LightningPoodle]

An Inquisition is a group dedicated to investigation. That's ultimately what you're doing in Dragon Age Inquisition. Searching for answers, looking for anything that might help stop the threat.

[Serza]

My first thought upon reading, "Why name it Inquisition?"

Because no one expects it.

 

Is your question why they didn't just call it DA3 (or why the dropped the 3 from the title)? Or why they named the entire enterprise an inquisition?

 

NOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!

 

Her two chief weapons are editing posts, hiding posts, and Necromancy!

(You'll understand once you meet the full gang.)

 

An Inquisition is a group dedicated to investigation. That's ultimately what you're doing in Dragon Age Inquisition. Searching for answers, looking for anything that might help stop the threat.

 

This. To this day, there is a verb "To be Inquisitive" which means you try to find out as much as possible about a subject.

[Gileadan]

I suspect it was also done to attract fans of the Warhammer 40k franchise, where the Inquisition is basically a bunch of daemon/xenos/heretic killing badasses. The initial DA3 website blurb about "hunting down the agents of Chaos" could have easily described a 40k game too.

[Medhia_Nox]

@Gileadan:  I would never compare this heretical world to Glorious Terra and He Who Sits The Golden Throne. 

 

*looks around*  Where did I put the Exterminatus button... 

[Madfox11]

An Inquisition is a group dedicated to investigation. That's ultimately what you're doing in Dragon Age Inquisition. Searching for answers, looking for anything that might help stop the threat.

 

While true, the fact is that as a real life institution it does not have a particular good reputation. It is associated with large scale attrocities. While I am aware that was only a small part of the Inquisition, and mostly focussed on Spain at that, I can also see how the name raises eyebrows in certain parts of at least Europe. Mind you, it is hinted at that the Inquisition in the game commited those same type of attrocities, so it might be exactly that type of association the developers were going for. Here we have a religious based organization set out to deal with witches and demons, which at its core has good intendencies, but which can easily end up being as bad as the disease.

[Medhia_Nox]

Because "Dragon Age:  Solas Manipulates Eveyone for His Evil Ends"  seemed a little too direct. 

[vbibbi]

Please don't hate on me if you're seeing this question for the umpteenth time.  If there's a thread (or threads) where this was asked and answered by all means point me to it/them.  Google and Forum searches have been less than helpful.  

 

I know the lore, but since I first heard what they were naming DA3 way back in the day I've wondered why they picked that name.  Speculation is cool but if anyone has seen anything from BioWare specifically explaining why they chose this name, I'd really appreciate seeing that.

Are you asking why name it Inquisition rather than DA3, or why call the organization we head an inquisition?

 

An Inquisition is a group dedicated to investigation. That's ultimately what you're doing in Dragon Age Inquisition. Searching for answers, looking for anything that might help stop the threat.

I didn't think we did much more investigating than any standard Bio RPG, so I didn't feel like the title Inquisition lived up to its implications. Yes we discover who was behind the Breach, close it, and stop Cory, but that's the same kind of thing we would do in any other game. I thought we would actually run more of a shadow organization, reviled by Southern Thedas for most of the game like we are by the Chantry at the beginning, and have to unmask Cory's ploys one at a time until the world finally realized we were right. I think that would have been interesting as opposed to the basic "gather forces and fight against your enemy" that we got.

[Tigress M]

My first thought upon reading, "Why name it Inquisition?"

Because no one expects it.

 

Is your question why they didn't just call it DA3 (or why the dropped the 3 from the title)? Or why they named the entire enterprise an inquisition?

 

My question was the latter.   I totally get naming it something as DA3 would have made it sound too much like DA2 but I've always been curious as to why they named it something that may have been a determent to some or at least a speed bump, so to speak.  I bought the game in spite of the name but I'm not sure I would have if this hadn't been part of the Dragon Age Franchise.  

 

I'm really curious what BioWare was hoping to get from that title for those folks who weren't aware of the Dragon Age Brand prior to Inquisition.   

 

They probably dropped the 3 to distance themselves from DA2, which wasn't particularly well-received. 

 

Back in 2012 when details were leaked about 'Dragon Age 3' there were a couple of possible names that were given as well: "Along with these story and mechanics hints, a few possible names for Dragon Age 3 were provided. A number, it seems, just doesn’t do the trick these days. ‘Dragon Age 3: The Breach,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Exarch,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Inquisition,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Inquisitor,’ and ‘Dragon Age 3: Apocrypha’ were all provided for fan feedback, leaving the door open for potential DLC or expansion titles as well." Out of those possible titles I'm not surprised Inquisition won out. 

 

Ha!  Very true!  From those selections, Inquisition has more substance but it also carries some baggage as well.  

 

While true, the fact is that as a real life institution it does not have a particular good reputation. It is associated with large scale attrocities. While I am aware that was only a small part of the Inquisition, and mostly focussed on Spain at that, I can also see how the name raises eyebrows in certain parts of at least Europe. Mind you, it is hinted at that the Inquisition in the game commited those same type of attrocities, so it might be exactly that type of association the developers were going for. Here we have a religious based organization set out to deal with witches and demons, which at its core has good intendencies, but which can easily end up being as bad as the disease.

 

This.  This is where my question stems from.  I wasn't really sure I wanted to lead an "Inquisition".  I chose to buy the game because I'm a long time BioWare fan and I love the Dragon Age Franchise (despite DA2 lol).  But the "Inquisition" did give me pause.  

 

Sure it's great NOW - it impacted how I played the game (I didn't want this Inquisition to be remembered like the real one) and it has made me think about the game more than I might have if it had been named something else, but it could have easily turned me away from buying it altogether if this had been my first introduction to the DA universe and I'm guessing I'm not the only one who might feel that way.

 

So, I'm just curious why they took that risk because I really do feel that's what it was to some degree... a risk. 

[Beren Von Ostwick]

Inquisition is not limited to bloodthirsty Catholics and Bioware should not feel obligated to cater to people who don't know that.

[berelinde]

Apparently, there were several candidates for the name: Inquisition, Inquisitor, Exarch, and something else I don't remember. "Inquisition" seems to me to be the least relevant and "Exarch" the most, but I'm guessing the former won because they wouldn't have to define the word. I think "Exarch" would have been more relevant because that's closer to what the Inquisitor is, a figure who is perceived to hold semi-divine status, bestowed with Maker-given powers, and generally viewed as Andraste's representative. It worried me because of my low tolerance for organized religion,* but I was able to justify the purchase in the end with the argument that the protagonist has zero control over what people call him or her. Others can call him or her Andraste's Herald all day long (and he or she can correct them all day long), but that won't change the reality.

 

 

*I have low tolerance for organized religion. My characters run the gamut from devout to atheist to heretical.Variety is the spice of life, etc.

[Qis]

Personally, i don't see any "Inquisition" in Dragon Age:Inquisition...they use the title just because of "it sound cool" factor.

 

They could just call it "Illuminati", because the way i see it the whole theme is all about a powerful secret society who want to bring world order, everyone must obey them and must follow the policies they set up for the world

 

So the title is quite misleading

[Heimdall]

My question was the latter. I totally get naming it something as DA3 would have made it sound too much like DA2 but I've always been curious as to why they named it something that may have been a determent to some or at least a speed bump, so to speak. I bought the game in spite of the name but I'm not sure I would have if this hadn't been part of the Dragon Age Franchise.

If anything, controversial titles attract more attention to the game from those that wouldn't have given it a second glance otherwise.

Besides, despite the reputation (Which is not always reflective of the historical inquisitions) the term itself is fairly innocuous.

[akbogert]

I don't know how spoilery this answer is (but this is the spoilers section, so...), but it eventually comes out that the original Inquisition became the Seekers of Truth. And honestly, Seekers of Truth is maybe a better way of describing what the inquisition (original or current) is all about. True, you are trying to stop Corypheus. But you're also trying to ascertain what happened at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, where the mark came from, etc. And by the end of Trespasser, you've also made a point of uncovering the truth about Fen'Harel and the old gods.

[Tigress M]

First, thanks for all the replies.  I'm still no closer to knowing what BioWare was really thinking but this discussion has been fun!

 

Inquisition is not limited to bloodthirsty Catholics and Bioware should not feel obligated to cater to people who don't know that.

 

You're absolutely right but that doesn't change the reality that Marketing and public opinion do have an impact on sales. And ultimately, if BioWare/EA isn't making money we won't have a DA4, 5, 6, etc to play.

 

I don't know how spoilery this answer is (but this is the spoilers section, so...), but it eventually comes out that the original Inquisition became the Seekers of Truth. And honestly, Seekers of Truth is maybe a better way of describing what the inquisition (original or current) is all about. True, you are trying to stop Corypheus. But you're also trying to ascertain what happened at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, where the mark came from, etc. And by the end of Trespasser, you've also made a point of uncovering the truth about Fen'Harel and the old gods.

 

You're right in regards to the lore.  Lore-wise, this all makes sense.  However, I sure do like the sound of Dragon Age: Seekers of Truth - that doesn't spark any negative connotation to RL history like "Inquisition" did when I first heard it.  

 

If anything, controversial titles attract more attention to the game from those that wouldn't have given it a second glance otherwise.

Besides, despite the reputation (Which is not always reflective of the historical inquisitions) the term itself is fairly innocuous.

 

You might be on to something with the sparking interest because it's controversial.  But man, I still think it was a gamble and I'm surprised that EA allowed them to take that risk.  

[Fiery Phoenix]

For the same reason we are so inquisitive.

[Ashagar]

While true, the fact is that as a real life institution it does not have a particular good reputation. It is associated with large scale attrocities. While I am aware that was only a small part of the Inquisition, and mostly focussed on Spain at that, I can also see how the name raises eyebrows in certain parts of at least Europe. Mind you, it is hinted at that the Inquisition in the game commited those same type of attrocities, so it might be exactly that type of association the developers were going for. Here we have a religious based organization set out to deal with witches and demons, which at its core has good intendencies, but which can easily end up being as bad as the disease.

 

Yah the misconceptions of historical inquisitions can weigh it down(The reality was vastly less bloody and much more dull even the infamous Spanish crown controlled inquisition didn't torture or kill nearly the amount of people people seem to think they did). You do raise a every good point about good intentions,

 

Both the protestant witch hunts and the catholic heresy trials conducted by the inquisitions were all about saving souls which was often used to justify horrible things done to the people on trial though I will give that the Catholics at least had legal limits on torture.

[AlanC9]

You're right in regards to the lore. Lore-wise, this all makes sense. However, I sure do like the sound of Dragon Age: Seekers of Truth - that doesn't spark any negative connotation to RL history like "Inquisition" did when I first heard it.

I'd say it does have some negative connotations. "Seekers of Truth " sounds kinda weak to me, like a bunch of hippies communing with nature. An Inquisition, now, is all about power .... unaccountable power at that. Which is a much better fit for what's actually going on in DAI, and is also a nice power-fantasy trip.

[In Exile]

They probably dropped the 3 to distance themselves from DA2, which wasn't particularly well-received. 

 

Back in 2012 when details were leaked about 'Dragon Age 3' there were a couple of possible names that were given as well: "Along with these story and mechanics hints, a few possible names for Dragon Age 3 were provided. A number, it seems, just doesn’t do the trick these days. ‘Dragon Age 3: The Breach,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Exarch,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Inquisition,’ ‘Dragon Age 3: Inquisitor,’ and ‘Dragon Age 3: Apocrypha’ were all provided for fan feedback, leaving the door open for potential DLC or expansion titles as well." Out of those possible titles I'm not surprised Inquisition won out. 

 

Interesting:

 

Apocrypha are works, usually written works, that are of unknown authorship, or of doubtful authenticity, or spurious, or not considered to be within a particular canon. The word is properly treated as a plural, but in common usage is often singular.

 

 

Given the theme of DA:I, and how it reveals so much about the nature of, well, everything written about Thedosian history... 

[akbogert]

I think Apocrypha would be a better name that wouldn't really make sense until pretty far into the game, as we realized that everything we thought we knew was wrong -- the history books were apocryphal all along.

 

I agree that Seekers of Truth ultimately sounds a bit too flimsy; moreover, it lacks the *pop* of a one-word title, and just plain "Seekers" would've sounded too vague. Really, the unease associated with the real Inquisition is perfect for this game. So many people in this game fear the rise of the Inquisitor's power and influence, and honestly if you take a step back (which I rarely thought to do), as a military-backed religious cell, doing whatever necessary in the name of a creator, it would be very easy to become the same kind of well-intentioned hell the name evokes. 

 

I'm a bit surprised, admittedly, to hear that numerous people actually gave pause and/or had to develop some headcanon justification before playing this game simply because of its title. 

[sniper_arrow]

Super Friends is already taken.

[Tigress M]

 

I'm a bit surprised, admittedly, to hear that numerous people actually gave pause and/or had to develop some headcanon justification before playing this game simply because of its title. 

 

My memory isn't fantastic but from what I recall, this was the thought process I went through when first introduced to Dragon Age: Inquisition...

 

I saw the title in a news feed of some sort and thought - "Wow.  So the Chantry is going to resort to a witch hunt for mages after Blondie's fiasco in Kirkwall.  Does this mean I'm going to have to side with the mages?" (Don't hate!  LOL  I very much felt like Quizzy Hawke regarding blood magic and whatnot by the end of DA2 so mages weren't my favorite group of people.)  

 

Then I saw a trailer and I went - "Huh.  I'm the Inquisition?  Nothing like being a total pariah with the world right out of the gate.  This is worse than my vision of how Morrigan was going to be treated in cities due to being an Apostate.  Maybe they're going to make up for not playing up to the stigma in Origins.  But man, Inquisition?  Oh look!  Open worldish feeling.  Love that!  But still... Inquisition?  Ick."

 

I really did waffle back and forth between the cool things I was seeing/hearing and that word.  So when I say I bought the game in spite of the title, that's what I mean - the title became something the game/franchise had to overcome in order to keep my interest.  It obviously worked in BioWare's favor with me but I can't help but wonder if there are those who didn't buy the game because they couldn't get past the name and why BioWare decided that would be ok.