Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider has been blogging up a storm recently, writing on such topics as romance in games, planning in advance where various characters will end up, and getting burned out (and how to overcome it). His comments on romance in games are, I think, the most interesting, since he actually comes out against the idea that every companion-type character should be a romance option for the player.

This from the lead writer of Melrose Thedas Kirkwall Place Dragon Age 2.

Not that he’s wrong (he isn’t), but it seems a curious thing to hear him say even so, given the plethora of romantic options available to players in both Dragon Age: Origins and (especially) Dragon Age 2. Maybe it’s a “live and learn” thing.

Speaking of Dragon Age, the next graphic novel set in its universe — Those Who Speak — is slated for release early next month.

Forbes has publised a review of Paragon Lost, the Mass Effect 3 anime tie-in. It is…not exactly favourable. Oh, also…the voice of Male Shepard was named Edmontonian of the Year for 2012.

Star Wars: The Old Republic will see the return of the Gree in its next update, as well as the implementation of some sort of new “reputation system”…some sort of prestige ranking thing, I guess. It’s apparently similar to how World of Warcraft handles the same concept, which shouldn’t come as a surprise.