Forum Discussion

Fred_vdp's avatar
29 days ago

Please include voice actress Geraldine Blecker in the in memoriam section

Originally, there were three names in the in memoriam section at the beginning of the end credits: Bruno Hayne (cinematic designer for various EA games), Olivier Marina (French voice of Varric), and Thanh Nguyen (graphics programmer at BioWare). The Veilguard's end credits have later been updated to include voice actor Peter Renaday (voice of Duncan).

Actress Geraldine Blecker sadly died in 2021. She was the voice of Shale in Dragon Age: Origins. Would it be possible for her to be included with a future update?

Edit: I'm sorry this thread got derailed.

  • Yes for the inclusion, no for making company-wide changes, firing employees and changing everything to suit  socio-political sensibilities one person seems to feel is necessary on behalf of us all.

    It's a good thing to remember everyone involved in some of our favorite gaming moments. Thanks for bringing it up. I'm not sure I would have known her name without this post. Now I do. I'm grateful for that.

  • Thank you for recognizing Geraldine Blecker’s contribution to Dragon Age: Origins. Her portrayal of Shale was a testament to how skill and dedication can create characters that leave a lasting impact, elevating the game as a whole. However, there is a broader issue that must be addressed. When we talk about a franchise like Dragon Age, we’re discussing a legacy built by extraordinary professionals. These individuals, who earned their positions through merit and skill, established Dragon Age as a cornerstone in RPG history. Games like Dragon Age: Origins and Inquisition didn’t achieve success by accident. These titles were celebrated because talented teams poured their effort and expertise into crafting complex stories, unforgettable characters, and immersive worlds. Their goal wasn’t to cater to fleeting ideological trends; it was singular and clear: excellence; and that effort was rewarded. Dragon Age: Inquisition earned the title of Game of the Year, not because it followed fads, but because it represented the pinnacle of what an RPG could be. It honored the fundamental principles of the genre and the intelligence of its audience; players who recognize and value quality.

    On the other hand, problems arise when the focus shifts from creating works rooted in merit to chasing external agendas, like those associated with "woke" trends. The issue isn’t inclusion or diversity itself, but the superficial way these ideas are often implemented. When such priorities begin to overshadow narrative quality, character depth, and gameplay innovation, the results are devastating. The outcome? A final product devoid of soul, one that fails to honor the legacy of its predecessors and, worse, alienates the loyal fanbase that has sustained the franchise for years. (...) This approach undermines everything Dragon Age stands for. It risks erasing the hard work of those who built the series not because those professionals failed, but because their contributions are being overshadowed by decisions that prioritize trends over substance. The most concerning part is that this could lead to the loss of everything that made the franchise great, jeopardizing a legacy that took years to establish. Including Geraldine Blecker in the memorial credits isn’t just a deserved tribute; it’s a symbol of what Dragon Age once was and what it still can be. It serves as a reminder that success isn’t built by chasing trends but by respecting the hard work and excellence of those who contributed to creating something timeless. By honoring talents like Blecker’s, we reaffirm that true greatness stems not from external agendas but from the relentless efforts of those who dare to create something extraordinary.

    The central question here is simple: Dragon Age doesn’t need fleeting validation; it needs a return to what made it exceptional. The loyal fanbase that has supported the series for more than a decade doesn’t need to be replaced by an audience that often consumes media only superficially. That fanbase is still here, waiting for the franchise to honor its roots and deliver the epic, memorable experiences that defined its name.

    So yes, it is crucial that Geraldine Blecker be remembered. But it is equally crucial that the hard work, talent, and dedication of those who made Dragon Age great be preserved and celebrated. What’s at stake isn’t just a name in the credits, but the very future of the franchise. Dragon Age must honor its past so that it can return to being what it has always been: a symbol of excellence in the RPG genre. 🎲🎮

  • This makes me so sad, I loved Shale and in every game post-Origins I found myself hoping she would appear somewhere.

    RIP Geraldine :(

  • It is impossible to talk about Dragon Age without considering the weight of its legacy and the unwavering loyalty of its community. Since the release of the first game, Dragon Age: Origins, in 2009 (yes, 15 years ago!), the franchise has been built on deep narratives, impactful choices, and the feeling that every decision truly shaped the world. This is the core of the series, something that long-time fans, above all, have always valued.

    With the release of Dragon Age: Veilguard, it became clear that BioWare has taken a direction that goes against everything that made this franchise an RPG icon. By abandoning the classic RPG style in favor of a simplified adventure approach, removing the consequences of choices, and turning the graphics into a "cartoonish" style, the company distorted Dragon Age's legacy. Worse still, this attempt to appeal to a broader audience aligned with woke trends—prioritizing superficial validation on social media and purchased reviews—was a strategic misstep. The "woke" audience is not, and will never be, the financial or cultural foundation of franchises like Dragon Age.

    It is the long-time fans, those who played Origins, Dragon Age II, and Inquisition, who ensure the relevance and commercial success of the series. They are the ones who have kept the flame of Dragon Age alive, and they are the loyal base that sustains the franchise’s name, even in the face of questionable choices. Any attempt to deviate from this audience in search of fleeting validation is not only ineffective but an insult to the legacy built over 15 years.

    The message to BioWare must be clear: "Dragon Age does not need forced adaptation to fleeting trends. What it needs is a return to its essence." The fanbase is here, as loyal as ever, waiting for the franchise to once again reflect what it has always been: an epic, emotional, and unforgettable experience. The "woke" audience may be a passing trend, but the legacy of Dragon Age is eternal—and belongs to those who helped it grow.

    Furthermore, it is crucial that BioWare acknowledges that part of this failure stems from internal decisions. It is time to remove from the development team those who do not understand or, worse, distort the legacy of Dragon Age. These individuals, who chose to prioritize ephemeral trends over respecting the foundations that sustain the franchise, should have no place in future projects. Conversely, BioWare must value and celebrate the contributions of those who made Dragon Age what it is—those who gave us unforgettable stories, deep characters, and a vibrant world that defined generations.

    This is why including names like Geraldine Blecker in the memorial credits would be a powerful and symbolic gesture. Blecker, the voice of Shale, represented a unique facet of Dragon Age: sharp humor, emotional depth, and lasting impact. Remembering figures like her in the credits is not just an homage; it is a way to affirm that Dragon Age's legacy belongs to its creators and the fans who embraced it, not to those trying to reshape it to suit fleeting trends.

    Finally, let this message be heard: we, the loyal fans of Dragon Age, are the guardians of this series' legacy. We remain steadfast, even in the face of missteps, because we believe in the potential of this franchise and what it has represented for so many years. It is time for BioWare to return to its roots, to listen to its fans, and to honor the essence of what makes Dragon Age what it is. The old guard is still here, and Dragon Age does not need an artificial audience; it needs the heart that has always stood by its side.

    May the legacy remain eternal.❤️