Pillars of Eternity
News, coverage and analysis tracking Pillars of Eternity across the outlets.- Xbox Kills Obsidian’s Avowed Sequel In The Wake Of Layoffs – ReportXbox 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.
With a dumpster-truck full of cash, New Vegas director Josh Sawyer would probably make a 'spiritual successor'…Obsidian studio design director Josh Sawyer stated that his dream project would be a spiritual successor to the 1990s historical fantasy RPG Darklands, provided he could work with people he enjoys. Sawyer, who has worked on games like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and Pentiment, emphasized the importance of a positive work environment over the specific game being developed.
A Disco Elysium writer once told Josh Sawyer that 'we can do better than this now,' and Sawyer agreesRPG veteran Josh Sawyer discusses how game developers inspire each other and evolve design concepts over time. He acknowledges that previous ideas can be improved upon, citing narrative choice in RPGs as an example. Sawyer believes this continuous cycle of inspiration and refinement is essential for the industry's progress.
"Baldur's Gate 3 seems to have done it pretty well," but don't expect Obsidian's next story-based RPG to launch in early access, Grounded 2 lead suggestsObsidian Entertainment's Grounded 2 director Chris Parker stated that while Baldur's Gate 3's early access success is notable, it's not a model that will work for all story-based RPGs. He believes that for large, complex narrative games, the traditional development approach is more suitable, though he acknowledges exceptions exist and that early access can be beneficial for certain titles like the original Grounded.
I never change weapons in RPGs, which means I've made Obsidian director Josh Sawyer's life a living hell when it comes to making cool armour systemsObsidian director Josh Sawyer discusses the challenges of designing compelling armor systems in RPGs, particularly when players like himself tend to stick to a single weapon and armor set. He cites Darklands as an inspiration for its rock-paper-scissors approach to combat and armor interaction, but notes that player adherence to character concepts can make implementing such systems difficult.- Free Online ARPG Crystalfall has Launched its Content Update, Addressing Key Player ConcernsCRG Studio has released a significant content update for its free-to-play online action RPG, Crystalfall, on Steam. The update addresses player concerns regarding content, quality of life features, and monetization, introducing new uniques, skills, an endgame map, and a loot filter. The studio also made adjustments to in-game purchases and is investigating early-stage WASD movement controls and Steam Deck compatibility.
RPG legend Josh Sawyer says Obsidian doesn't hate Baldur's Gate 3-style romance, "it's more that it is not typically the wheelhouse we have operated in"Obsidian Entertainment's Josh Sawyer explained that the studio doesn't typically include extensive romance options in its RPGs due to the significant time investment required and tonal considerations. While not opposed to romance in games, Sawyer clarified that Obsidian's focus has historically been elsewhere, differentiating their approach from titles like Baldur's Gate 3.
Fallout co-creator hopes to "make one more game" before his second retirement from RPG developmentFallout co-creator Tim Cain has expressed a desire to develop one more RPG before retiring from the industry again. Cain, who has had a long career with companies like Interplay and Obsidian Entertainment, feels he is running out of topics for his YouTube channel and is currently working on an unannounced project at Obsidian.
Fallout co-creator wants to make one last game before he retires 'for the second time'Fallout co-creator Tim Cain is winding down his personal YouTube channel, where he has shared insights into the game industry for three years. He feels he has conveyed most of his stories and knowledge, and is considering retirement for the second time, though he may still contribute to games at Obsidian Entertainment.
Bethesda showed the Fallout: New Vegas team a "powerpoint about all the things Obsidian did wrong," dev says:…Former Fallout: New Vegas senior designer Chris Avellone revealed that Bethesda presented Obsidian Entertainment with a PowerPoint detailing the game's perceived failures. Avellone expressed that this presentation was demoralizing, despite Obsidian's efforts to keep the Fallout franchise relevant. Bethesda later took the series in-house for Fallout 4 and Fallout 76, while Obsidian moved on to other original IPs.
10 Best Western RPGs to play in 2026This article ranks the 10 best Western RPGs available to play, focusing on games developed in Europe or America that emphasize deep character customization and player-driven narratives. The list includes titles like Baldur's Gate 3, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, highlighting their unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
10 Best CRPGs in 2026 to lose yourself inThis article ranks the 10 best Computer Role-Playing Games (CRPGs) available, highlighting their immersive worlds, reactive gameplay, and impactful choices. It features titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Wasteland 3, and Disco Elysium, discussing their unique vibes and appeal to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.- Free-to-Play Steampunk ARPG Crystalfall has now launched its Early AccessCRG Studio has launched its free-to-play steampunk action RPG, Crystalfall, into Early Access on Steam. The game features three playable classes, a five-act campaign, and early endgame content, with plans for ongoing development and community support through founder packs and cosmetic purchases. Crystalfall aims to blend deep customization and progression inspired by titles like Path of Exile and Diablo 2.
- Pillars of Eternity's turn-based mode is finally out in fullThe turn-based mode for Pillars of Eternity, developed to celebrate the game's 10th anniversary, has been fully released. This new mode offers a different strategic combat experience for players.
Pillars of Eternity's turn-based mode is finally out in fullPillars of Eternity has officially released its full turn-based mode. The article also touches on the decline of classic PC RPGs like Baldur's Gate, with the author suggesting that physical retailers' reluctance to stock them contributed to their disappearance from the market.- Pillars of Eternity launches a new feature that makes it worth another nostalgic yet fresh playthroughObsidian Entertainment has released a new turn-based combat mode for the decade-old CRPG Pillars of Eternity. This update, available to all players, allows for a more strategic and tactical approach to gameplay, differing from the original real-time combat. The mode introduces unique mechanics and UI alterations without affecting existing save files, offering a fresh experience for both new and returning players.
God of War Minigames Return? Mario's Prepping His Own A... | TAGThis article rounds up various gaming news including a Nintendo Switch bundle deal for Super Mario Galaxy, the studio head of State of Decay 3 clarifying that zombie animals from the reveal trailer are scrapped, and predictions of further memory price increases. It also touches on the upcoming The Backrooms movie, discussions about the return of sex minigames in God of War remakes, and a new game called Samson: A Tyndalston Story that aims to fill the Grand Theft Auto 6 itch.