Is Dragon Age a Franchise Geared for Women?

I loved Mass Effect.  I loved making all those choices, the story was awesome, and the fighting was fast paced. I tore through 1 and then played 2.  So when my husband suggested I try Dragon Age, I gave it a go.  DA2 was already out and I opted to play that first.  The graphics were beautiful and the story was enthralling.  I rolled a female Hawke and played it again… and again… and ok one more again.  I went back and tried out Origins and Awakenings.  They really appealed to me too.  I loved the combat, the hero, and the graphics in DA2, but DA1 had so many more appealing options, a wide variety of story arcs (that supported multiple game plays), and way way more control over your companions and your companion choices.  

Prior to DA2, I’d never actually chosen to roll a female hero, even when given the choice.  I always chose male Shep.  I knew there were romance choices, but I didn’t make them focusing instead on saving the galaxy and sharpening my skills.  In DA2, I felt compelled to roll a female Hawke. I identified with the her completely and became really immersed.  I made romance choices and was invested in all of my choices in a way I hadn’t been before.

I loved this franchise so much that I actually reached out and joined a small fangirl community on Facebook, something else I’ve never done with a game.  It isn’t even my favorite game franchise and it still isn’t my all time favorite game. This spot is reserved for Bioshock thank you very much and I can’t imagine what could move that from its pedestal, maybe if this one blows (highly unlikely and I’ll let you know Thursday lol).  For some reason, the connection I have made with DA is a unique experience for me… or at least I thought it was unique for em.

Today at PAX East, I stumbled upon the Bioware room and a DA panel.  I listened and then stood in line to get signatures. My husband sat waiting. I looked over at him and noticed, he was not the only husband/boyfriend sitting. There were 4 or 5. Sitting. Waiting. Playing on iPhones. I looked more closely at the line and saw a majority of women in that line.

This sparked interested conversation with my spouse as we both came to a realization that perhaps my connection was not unique. Perhaps there were a large group of female gamers that really felt something for this franchise and these heroes specifically. Perhaps Bioware even intended that?  

Food for thought.