Pillars of Eternity
News, coverage and analysis tracking Pillars of Eternity across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"If the player trusts you enough, they are not going to savescum": Why the makers of some of the best RPGs on PC want you to get used to failing
Several RPG developers discuss the concept of player failure in digital versus tabletop role-playing games. They explore how game design can encourage players to embrace failure as a narrative tool rather than something to be avoided through savescumming, emphasizing trust and agency.
BioWare veteran says Baldur's Gate 3 was such a great sequel because it didn't try to be too much like…
BioWare veteran Mark Darrah believes Baldur's Gate 3 succeeded because Larian Studios embraced its own identity while drawing inspiration from the original games and the evolution of CRPGs. He suggests that instead of trying to replicate the past, Larian's unique approach, blending elements of Divinity: Original Sin, made Baldur's Gate 3 a standout sequel that overshadowed its predecessors.
Baldur's Gate 3 is a "great sequel" because it's so different from the original RPGs, says…
Former Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age developer Mark Darrah believes Baldur's Gate 3 is a great sequel precisely because it deviates significantly from the original games. He highlights Larian Studios' ability to blend their own CRPG influences with the Baldur's Gate legacy, creating a modern experience rather than a literal imitation.
Pathfinder and Warhammer 40K RPG developer Owlcat Games on "speedrunning" its first 10 years and what comes next: "We won't be quitting the CRPG genre"
Owlcat Games, known for its Pathfinder and Warhammer 40K CRPGs, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Head of publishing Andrey Tsvetkov reflects on the studio's rapid growth, its commitment to the CRPG genre, and future projects including a third-person RPG and potential new IPs. The studio emphasizes its close relationship with fans and passion for its chosen universes as key to its success and rapid development cycle.
Pentiment director emphasizes the importance of RPG players not controlling everything
Pentiment director Josh Sawyer believes role-playing games are at their best when players have significant agency but cannot control every aspect of the world. He argues that limitations on player control can lead to more meaningful choices and a deeper connection to the game's narrative, citing examples from Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire and Pentiment itself.
Interview: Radkey discuss new album 'Bedroom Sand' — MP3s & NPCs
Radkey, a punk rock band, discusses their new album 'Bedroom Sand' in an interview with bassist Isaiah Radkey. They recorded the album at Syracuse University and describe the title track as being about self-doubt. The band also shared their recent gaming interests, including Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Marvel Rivals, and reflected on their career milestones.
I'm not worried about Fallout: New Vegas 2, because Obsidian knows how to make the best out of a bad situation
Despite recent layoffs and a history of challenging publisher relationships, Obsidian Entertainment is well-positioned to create a successful Fallout: New Vegas sequel. The studio has a proven track record of delivering excellent RPGs, even under difficult circumstances, and has demonstrated its ability to capture the essence of Fallout with games like The Outer Worlds. The author expresses confidence that Obsidian's talent and experience will allow them to overcome current instability and deliver another acclaimed title.
Obsidian: "Vi har fortfarande samma dna som vid New Vegas och KOTOR"
Obsidian Entertainment's Brandon Adler addressed criticism regarding the studio's current identity, stating that despite recent layoffs and shifts in project focus, the core 'DNA' remains the same as when they developed games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Fallout: New Vegas. He emphasized that many lead developers are still the same individuals who worked on previous acclaimed titles.
Outer Worlds 2 Director Reacts To Mass Layoffs At Xbox And Dispels “Misinformation”
Obsidian Entertainment's game director Brandon Adler addressed recent layoffs at Xbox and dispelled what he called misinformation about the studio's current identity. Adler stated that while the company has changed over 20 years, its core DNA remains the same, with many lead developers having worked on classic titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity. The article also mentions reported layoffs at Obsidian, the cancellation of an Avowed sequel, and a potential new Fallout game.
Obsidian still have "the same DNA" that went into New Vegas and KOTOR 2, The Outer Worlds 2 director insists, following chatter around layoffs
Following recent layoffs at Obsidian Entertainment, director Brandon Adler defended the studio's creative DNA, asserting that the core team behind classic games like Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II remains intact. Adler pushed back against criticism that the studio has lost its way, emphasizing that the same individuals are still in leadership roles and that the studio's fundamental ethos persists despite changes over the years.
The Outer Worlds 2 lead slams "cold take artists" following Xbox layoffs at Obsidian, says "the same DNA" that created hits like Fallout: New Vegas and more remains
Brandon Adler, co-director of The Outer Worlds 2, has spoken out against "cold take artists" speculating about Obsidian Entertainment following recent layoffs at Xbox studios. Adler emphasized that the core "DNA" of the studio, responsible for games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, remains intact despite the loss of talent. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the company and its developers while defending the seasoned developers still working at Obsidian.
Obsidian Director Warns of “Cold-Take Artists” Spreading Misinformation About the Studio
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler has spoken out against "cold-take artists" spreading misinformation following recent layoffs at the studio. Adler emphasized that despite changes, the core DNA of the studio, responsible for games like Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity, remains intact. He also addressed reports about the future of Avowed, with former co-founder Chris Avellone stating Avowed 2 is still planned.
Obsidian game director reacts to people "spouting off" about the studio and how it's not what it "used to be"
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler defended the studio's current identity amidst recent layoffs and external criticism. He emphasized that the core team and creative DNA remain consistent with the studio's history, despite changes and project shifts, including a new Fallout game.
Avowed 2 Has Not Been Cancelled Following Layoffs at Obsidian – Rumor
Despite recent layoffs at Obsidian Entertainment and rumors of cancellation, former co-founder Chris Avellone has stated that Avowed 2 is still in development and the studio hopes to "re-pitch" the concept. While some projects are being re-evaluated, expansions for The Outer Worlds 2 are still planned, and Grounded is continuing development.
Obsidian Has Cancelled Multiple Projects To Make New Fallout, Per Report
According to a report, Microsoft has canceled multiple projects at Obsidian Entertainment to have the studio develop a new Fallout game, with Josh Sawyer leading the design. This decision comes amidst significant layoffs at Microsoft and Obsidian, and the cancellation of a planned sequel to Avowed. The new Fallout title will be the first mainline entry in the series since Fallout 4 in 2015.
Obsidian Entertainment returns to Fallout franchise, while cancelling Avowed 2
Obsidian Entertainment is returning to the Fallout franchise with a new game led by Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas. This shift comes after Xbox announced mass layoffs, leading to the cancellation of Avowed 2 and other unannounced projects. The studio aims to leverage Xbox's established IPs for growth following recent sales disappointments.
Xbox Kills Obsidian’s Avowed Sequel In The Wake Of Layoffs – Report
Xbox has reportedly cancelled the sequel to Obsidian Entertainment's action-RPG Avowed and laid off approximately a quarter of the studio's staff. The cancellation is part of a larger strategic reset by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, with Obsidian now focusing on the Fallout franchise. While the Avowed sequel was progressing well, it did not align with Xbox's current strategy, though a small chance of its revival remains.
Obsidian was also hit by "the Microsoft sacrificial rituals," says laid-off RPG veteran who previously worked…
Obsidian Entertainment has reportedly been affected by recent Xbox layoffs, with narrative designer Jay Turner and other developers confirming their departure. These cuts are part of a larger "reset" by Microsoft, which aims to reduce its workforce by 3,200 by fiscal year 2027. Reports suggest around 25% of Obsidian's staff, approximately 60-70 individuals, were impacted.
Obsidian reportedly safe from Xbox studio closures despite fears the RPG powerhouse was in negotiations to avoid…
Despite earlier reports suggesting Obsidian Entertainment was negotiating to avoid closure, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier has confirmed the RPG developer is safe. The news comes amid widespread fears of mass layoffs and studio shutdowns within Xbox's gaming division.
New Vegas director Josh Sawyer says games can and should pull on artistic inspirations from 'anywhere and everywhere': 'Greek plays, they knocked it out of the park thousands of years ago—why not look at them?'
Obsidian design director Josh Sawyer believes games should draw artistic inspiration from all sources, including ancient Greek plays and classic films. He emphasizes that the core of game design is evoking thoughts and emotions in players, a goal that should be continually reevaluated throughout the development process. Sawyer cites examples from Fallout: New Vegas, Pentiment, and Pillars of Eternity to illustrate how diverse inspirations can inform mechanics and player experience.
