Obsidian Entertainment’s design director, Josh Sawyer, recently revealed his enthusiasm for creating a new game within the Pillars of Eternity universe, provided he is given a budget comparable to that of Larian’s highly anticipated Baldur’s Gate 3. In an extensive interview with TouchArcade, Sawyer discussed his experience in the roleplaying industry and expressed his desire to further develop the combat system introduced in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Additionally, he expressed his interest in utilizing a “scripted 3D camera” to enhance the gameplay experience and eliminate potential navigation issues.
During the interview, Sawyer shared his vision for a potential Pillars of Eternity 3, stating that he would love the opportunity to create a high-production, party-based fantasy RPG with the generous budget provided by Baldur’s Gate 3. Though he expressed contentment with Pillars of Eternity and its sequel, Deadfire, he mentioned that if these projects were not crowdfunded, he would prefer an altered combat system, potentially incorporating turn-based gameplay. Sawyer commended the turn-based system in Deadfire, crediting Nick Carver and Brian MacIntosh for its implementation and suggesting that a redesigned game focused on turn-based combat could provide a more tactical experience, while also delivering stunning cinematics.
When questioned about the ongoing debate between turn-based and real-time combat mechanics, Sawyer highlighted the advantages of turn-based systems in complex RPGs. He argued that intricate combat scenarios are more easily comprehended in a structured turn-based format, as players have more time to analyze and process the abundance of information presented in these encounters. Drawing examples from Deadfire, Sawyer indicated that players who initially struggled to comprehend certain game mechanics, such as the affliction and inspiration system or the concept of penetration, eventually grasped these concepts more effectively when experiencing them within the turn-based mode. This realization prompted him to favor turn-based combat, as it facilitates the clear communication of complex systems to players.
In addition to combat mechanics, Sawyer shared his perspective on camera design in RPGs. While acknowledging the fully manual camera utilized in Baldur’s Gate 3, which resembles the camera from Divinity: Original Sin 2, Sawyer expressed his preference for a more specialized perspective. He proposed the idea of implementing a scripted 3D camera, which would provide a specific viewpoint tailored to the game’s design. By avoiding the complexities associated with a fully manual camera, Sawyer believes that a scripted camera could maintain both functionality and enjoyment for players. He also emphasized the importance of creating an interface that is intuitive and user-friendly, illustrating his approach in developing a simple yet effective interface for the Pillars of Eternity series, allowing players to focus on the mental challenges presented in the game rather than being burdened by cumbersome controls.
While Sawyer’s interest in developing a new Pillars of Eternity RPG is tangible, it is essential to remember that Obsidian Entertainment’s current projects include the highly anticipated Avowed. Initially conceived as a co-op RPG, Avowed has shifted toward a single-player experience and has already garnered significant attention from fans of the genre. As the studio continues to evolve, gamers can anticipate the release of Avowed and the potential for further exploration within the Pillars of Eternity universe.
Josh Sawyer’s passion for the Pillars of Eternity series and his desire to continue expanding its boundaries is evident. With the prospect of a substantial budget, he envisions the creation of a high-quality fantasy RPG, building upon the successes of previous installments, particularly Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Implementing a turn-based combat system and utilizing a scripted 3D camera are among his ideas for enhancing the player experience. While Pillars of Eternity fans eagerly await news of future projects, they can look forward to Obsidian Entertainment’s forthcoming release, Avowed, which promises to deliver an immersive and unforgettable RPG experience.
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