Mark Darrah said he would consider cutting or dramatically reducing the Fade dream sequence in Dragon Age: Origins. But his comments do not explain why the team originally made it: they are a retrospective criticism, not a documented account of the quest’s original design rationale.
Which Fade quest did Mark Darrah criticize?
The discussion concerns Lost in Dreams, the sequence in the Mage Tower in which the protagonist enters the Fade. In a TikTok video asking what he would remove from or add to each Dragon Age game, Darrah—identified by PC Gamer as a co-director of Dragon Age: Origins—said he would consider cutting or substantially reducing that dream sequence.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide | $14.36 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dragon Age: Origins - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $14.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dragon Age: Origins - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening: Prima Official Game Guide | $22.89 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What did Darrah say about it?
PC Gamer quoted Darrah describing the sequence this way: “It’s not very good content. It’s kind of filler. It was definitely done pretty fast in the end.” His remarks characterize his later view of the content and its production pace; they do not establish a particular deadline, budget constraint, or other cause behind its creation. PC Gamer’s 28 September 2026 report attributes the comments to his TikTok video.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →So why was the Fade quest made?
The report does not answer that original “why.” Darrah’s description of the sequence as filler and as something completed quickly near the end is a retrospective assessment, not evidence that the team deliberately designed it as filler or a record of the choices that led to it. Without a documented explanation of the original decision, the reason it was included remains unstated in this account.
#1 Best Overall
- Used Book in Good Condition
Was his Avvar idea a proposed replacement?
No replacement plan is reported. Separately, Darrah said he wished Origins had included another human origin involving an Avvar in the Korcari Wilds, while noting that it would have been expensive. That counterfactual suggestion is distinct from his comments about the Fade sequence; the report does not connect the two or present the Avvar origin as a substitute for it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What would changing the sequence mean?
Darrah’s proposal leaves open whether the sequence would be removed or shortened; he did not describe a specific rewrite. Those choices would have different effects: cutting it would remove the Mage Tower’s dream portion, while reducing it would preserve some of that experience. Any judgment about the trade-off between narrative purpose, atmosphere, pacing, or repeated mechanics is analysis of the proposal, not an additional claim attributed to Darrah.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Scalable combat options that let you decide the level of control you have over your party, including NPCs. Issue orders, set your own tactical AI, or take control of any party member to lead the charge.
- 6 possible playable preludes known as ‘Origin Stories’ which along with your play, define how your hero character will see the world, how it sees you and sets the tone for the entire story.
- Travel across the vast and varied lands of Ferelden; from the conspiratorial halls of the last great dwarven city, Orzammar, to the untamed snarls of the Korcari Wilds.
- Dragon Age: Origins will give you deep character customization options including: class, race, appearance, abilities, and equipment.
- At the heart of the storm sweeping across Ferelden. Decide the fate of nations, people and, ultimately, yourself. Just remember: for every choice, there is a consequence.
Rank #2
- Scalable combat options that let you decide the level of control you have over your party, including NPCs. Issue orders, set your own tactical AI, or take control of any party member to lead the charge.
- 6 possible playable preludes known as ‘Origin Stories’ which along with your play, define how your hero character will see the world, how it sees you and sets the tone for the entire story.
- Travel across the vast and varied lands of Ferelden; from the conspiratorial halls of the last great dwarven city, Orzammar, to the untamed snarls of the Korcari Wilds.
- Dragon Age: Origins will give you deep character customization options including: class, race, appearance, abilities, and equipment.
- At the heart of the storm sweeping across Ferelden. Decide the fate of nations, people and, ultimately, yourself. Just remember: for every choice, there is a consequence.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute
