The third installment in the best-selling "Dragon Age" game franchise is in the works and scheduled to arrive next year, BioWare announced Monday.

The development company revealed that "Dragon Age 3: Inquisition" is due in "late 2013" and will be powered by a new game engine that "will allow us to deliver a more expansive world, better visuals, more reactivity to player choices, and more customization."

Aaryn Flynn, general manager of BioWare Edmonton and BioWare Montreal (where the game is being made), said in a press release that the team has been working on "Inquisition" for almost two years.

"We've been poring over player feedback from past games and connecting directly with our fans," he said. "They haven't held back, so we’re not either. With 'Dragon Age 3: Inquisition,' we want to give fans what they’re asking for – a great story with choices that matter, a massive world to explore, deep customization and combat that is both tactical and visceral."

With that in mind, BioWare has been working with EA DICE (the development company behind the "Battlefield" games) to make its Frostbite 2 game engine "the foundation for the engine" that will power "Dragon Age 3." If you've played "Battlefield 3" and "Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel" then you've already seen Frostbite 2 in action.

"We know we need new technology to truly make this vision become fully realized," Flynn said.



This fantasy-themed role-playing franchise got its start with "Dragon Age: Origins" back in 2009. The game was lauded for its rich, absorbing story and ambitious, choice-filled gameplay. But "Dragon Age II," which came with combat changes and other alterations, was met with very mixed reaction from both fans and reviewers.

On Monday, BioWare representatives emphasized just how much they have been listening to fans and considering their input when it comes to making "Dragon Age 3."

"Part of that effort has involved you, our fans, and the feedback you've provided for 'Dragon Age: Origins,' 'Dragon Age II,' and their DLC," wrote the game's executive producer, Mark Darrah, in an open letter to fans released today. "We've visited message boards, read reviews, and we've gone to events to have direct face-to-face conversations with some of our most passionate fans. We've been listening, and we will continue to listen."



He went on to add, "We are going to be as open as we can. We will continue to have a dialogue with you and answer what questions we can. Keep providing us with your feedback."

Winda Benedetti writes about video games for NBC News. You can follow her tweets about games and other things on Twitter here @WindaBenedetti, and you can follow her on Google+. Meanwhile, be sure to check out the IN-GAME FACEBOOK PAGE to discuss the day's gaming news and reviews.







