Dragon Age setting creator David Gaider is pitching a heist RPG that’s ‘make or break’ for his studio
David Gaider, the legendary BioWare writer responsible for creating the Dragon Age setting, is pitching his next project at Summerfall Studios: a lighthearted heist RPG. Gaider spent a decade developing Dragon Age and previously made significant contributions to classics like Baldur’s Gate 2 and Neverwinter Nights’ Hordes of the Underdark. After leaving BioWare following his work on the troubled live-service game Anthem, he joined Summerfall Studios in 2017.
The upcoming game features a crew of rogues piloting an airship on heist missions, with the narrative expanding into broader RPG territory as the plot develops. Gaider describes the tone as lighthearted rather than comedic—a notable departure from the dark, fantasy-focused storytelling that defined his career.
Summerfall Studios has previously released two games: the 2023 musical RPG Stray Gods and the 2024 deckbuilder Malys, neither of which achieved significant commercial success. This precarious situation has led Gaider to characterize the heist RPG as a “make or break” project for the studio, underscoring the stakes involved in securing publisher backing. The studio is actively seeking funding to bring the ambitious title to life.
The shift toward lighter, heist-focused gameplay represents a deliberate creative departure from Gaider’s signature dark fantasy work, though his proven storytelling credentials remain the studio’s strongest asset in attracting investment.