Obsidian’s Turn-Based Move: What It Means for the Future of CRPGs

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Summary

  • Obsidian Entertainment is adding a turn-based combat mode to Pillars of Eternity after 10 years.
  • The decision to introduce this feature in Pillars of Eternity raises speculation about Obsidian’s future plans for CRPGs.
  • Avowed’s success and statements by game director Carrie Patel could suggest that Obsidian is considering expanding the Pillars of Eternity franchise further or looking to produce new IPs with turn-based combat.

In 2015, Obsidian Entertainment launched Pillars of Eternity, a CRPG that marked the beginning of a new franchise for the developer during a challenging period. The studio was on the brink of closure just a few years earlier, but they pressed forward with Pillars of Eternity and started a Kickstarter campaign for it. This campaign was a record-breaker at the time, becoming the fastest and highest-grossing project ever on the platform. The game enjoyed considerable success, leading to a sequel in 2018, and paved the way for their latest release, set in the world of Eora introduced in Pillars of Eternity, titled Avowed.

In an unexpected twist, the developers at Obsidian have revealed plans to incorporate a turn-based combat mode into Pillars of Eternity later this year. This announcement has been met with enthusiasm by fans who appreciated the game but felt it lacked this feature initially. Furthermore, comments made by Carrie Patel, director of Obsidian’s upcoming CRPG, Avowed, that “something new is appealing” post-launch, suggest that the studio might be considering creating another CRPG with turn-based combat as a key component in the future.

Just a heads-up: Obsidian Entertainment hasn’t made any public statements about developing this kind of game yet.

Pillars of Eternity’s Upcoming Turn-Based Combat Mode Hopefully Means Obsidian is Cooking Up Something New

Turn-Based Combat Coming to Pillars of Eternity After Ten Years Seems to Suggest More Than Meets the Eye

In the past, Obsidian has been known for producing high-quality CRPGs, and this was evident in their creation of Pillars of Eternity. They utilized their expertise to create a game that would appeal to modern audiences, but they chose to deviate from a fully turn-based combat system that is common in many games of the genre. Instead, both Pillars of Eternity and its sequel, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire, implemented real-time with pause mechanics. While this worked well for most players, those who prefer turn-based combat missed out on the option. Since its release, Pillars of Eternity has received numerous updates and patches. The possibility of Obsidian now integrating turn-based combat into the game could suggest that they may have bigger plans in store.

Why Obsidian Adding Turn-Based Combat to Pillars of Eternity Could Be Just a Glimpse of Things to Come

It’s unusual for a developer to add such a significant feature to a game so far after its release, especially since Pillars of Eternity isn’t a live-service or continuously updated game. However, given these circumstances, this move could potentially hint at Obsidian Entertainment considering revisiting the CRPG genre soon. As they strive to maintain their success, introducing new features might be one strategy they are employing in preparation for future projects.

In the same interview, after acknowledging strong sales for Avowed, Patel hinted at potential plans for additional installments in the Pillars of Eternity series. He expressed a desire to explore and develop the existing world even further, while possibly revisiting the classic role-playing game (CRPG) design that originally defined the franchise prior to Avowed.

This year, the studio plans to launch “The Outer Worlds 2”. Following two consecutive FPS RPG releases, a genre shift could maintain their success while providing a unique perspective. In a sort of role reversal, they might also develop a CRPG spin-off based on “The Outer Worlds” to keep things exciting and leverage its popularity. Alternatively, they could work on a sequel or continuation for their 2016 CRPG, “Tyranny”, or even create an entirely new IP centered around turn-based combat. The upcoming update for “PoE” hints at Obsidian’s possible intentions for such a project.

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2025-04-04 18:06