So, I was wrong about Dragon Age the Veilguard

Summary

In this video, the reviewer critiques *Dragon Age: The Veil Guard* for its forced and preachy approach to inclusivity, particularly its handling of trans and non-binary representation. While not opposed to these themes, the reviewer argues that the game's narrative and character writing come across as shallow and performative, detracting from the overall experience. The video also addresses the gaming industry's tendency to silence criticism of such narratives, and how this trend affects players' connection with games. Ultimately, the critique calls for more organic, nuanced representation in gaming, and criticizes the industry's overemphasis on identity politics at the expense of story quality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The critique focuses on the forced integration of social justice themes, particularly gender and inclusivity, in *Dragon Age: The Veil Guard*.
• 😀 The writer argues that such themes, while important, are often poorly executed and detract from the overall narrative and immersion of the game.
• 😀 A specific scene in the game, where a character apologizes for misgendering another, is criticized for feeling preachy, ham-fisted, and immersion-breaking.
• 😀 The scene is described as self-parody and unrealistic, particularly due to the use of modern language like 'non-binary' in a medieval fantasy setting.
• 😀 The writer emphasizes that it's not the inclusion of non-binary or trans characters that's the issue, but rather the heavy-handed approach to addressing these topics.
• 😀 The idea of 'performative apologies' in the game is mocked, with the writer suggesting a simple, genuine apology would be far more effective than the showy one presented in the game.
• 😀 The writer criticizes the industry's focus on ideological beliefs and how they are forced into games, leading to frustration from players who feel preached to.
• 😀 There is a concern that social justice themes in games like *The Veil Guard* reinforce negative stereotypes and turn off players who are otherwise open to inclusivity.
• 😀 The writer mentions the broader trend in game journalism where critics push back against players' complaints, framing them as hostile or ignorant.
• 😀 The critique concludes that for inclusivity to be effective in games, it should be woven naturally into the narrative, not used as a marketing tool or forced onto players.
• 😀 The author highlights the gap between how players engage with the game and how critics or developers promote the game, pointing out the disconnect between idealistic portrayals and player expectations.

Q & A

What is the speaker's primary critique of *Dragon Age: The Veil Guard*?

The speaker's main critique is the heavy-handed and preachy approach to inclusivity and gender identity, particularly in a scene where a non-binary character, TSH, comes out and reacts angrily to a character's confusion. The speaker feels this undermines the intended message and disrupts the player's experience.

How does the speaker view the portrayal of inclusivity in *Dragon Age: The Veil Guard*?

The speaker views the portrayal of inclusivity as forced and performative, suggesting that it detracts from the authenticity of the game's narrative. They argue that the inclusion of these themes feels more like ideological preaching than organic representation within the story.

What specific scene does the speaker mention as a turning point for the game's portrayal of inclusivity?

The speaker mentions a scene where the character TSH, who comes out as non-binary, becomes irrationally angry when met with confusion from another character. The scene is criticized for presenting the non-binary identity in a confrontational and unrelatable way.

Why does the speaker find the dialogue in *Dragon Age: The Veil Guard* problematic?

The speaker finds the dialogue problematic because it feels overly preachy and juvenile, likening it to something an angry teenager might write to challenge their parents or bullies. This kind of tone is seen as unconvincing and alienating rather than fostering genuine understanding.

What does the speaker believe is the impact of the game's approach on players?

The speaker believes that the heavy-handed treatment of social issues in the game alienates players, especially those who are not inclined to agree with the game's ideological stance. This could lead to players feeling frustrated and disengaged from the game.

How does the speaker feel about the game's overall narrative and writing quality?

The speaker expresses strong dissatisfaction with the narrative and character writing in *Dragon Age: The Veil Guard*, calling it 'God awful garbage.' They argue that, despite the game having solid gameplay mechanics, the narrative quality significantly detracts from the overall experience.

What is the speaker's opinion on the game's critical reception?

The speaker is critical of the game's high review scores, arguing that the narrative and character writing are poor, and that the game received favorable coverage due to its ideological content rather than its quality as a game. They compare the reception to *Metaphor*, which they believe deserves higher praise.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between critics and players in the gaming industry?

The speaker believes there is a disconnect between critics and players, with critics pushing a narrative that favors inclusivity themes, while many players feel frustrated by these themes being forced into the gameplay experience. They criticize the industry's failure to listen to player feedback and adapt accordingly.

How does the speaker compare the portrayal of inclusivity in *Dragon Age: The Veil Guard* to other forms of representation in gaming?

The speaker compares the portrayal of inclusivity in *Dragon Age: The Veil Guard* unfavorably to more organic forms of representation in other media, such as in the book *The Bright Sword*, where gender and identity issues are treated more subtly and integrated into the character's development without being the primary focus.

What does the speaker mean by 'weaponized inclusivity' in the context of the game?

The speaker refers to 'weaponized inclusivity' as the use of social justice themes, like gender identity and inclusivity, in a way that feels opportunistic and commodified rather than genuine. They argue that these themes are being used to push a political agenda rather than enriching the story or providing authentic representation.