Risky RPGs: How These Gambles Paid Off Big Time!

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Summary

  • Disco Elysium took a huge risk by removing combat, but emerged as a unique and successful title.
  • Pillars of Eternity by Obsidian was a risky crowd-funded game that paid off with a great RPG.
  • Torment: Tides of Numenera was a high-risk title aiming to live up to Planescape: Torment’s legacy.

Developing a video game is no small feat, whether it’s being crafted by a lone developer working on a personal project or by a large AAA studio aiming to create vast open worlds and sophisticated gacha systems that function flawlessly, like well-oiled machines distributing money. It appears as though, as the technology for game development evolves, so do the expectations and budgets for games—both growing increasingly high.

Creating a video game, despite becoming potentially simpler for developers, still requires a significant investment of time, effort, and carries a great deal of risk. Isometric RPGs, with their more specialized appeal, often depend on fan support to fund development due to the genre’s niche status. Even games developed using CRPG software from the early 90s faced difficulties in recouping costs, even when they were well-made products. However, these isometric titles not only ran the risk of failure or harming their developers during the creation process, but many emerged as massive successes following this challenging journey.

7. Disco Elysium

A Smash Hit, But With Risky Gameplay

This title stands out as a groundbreaking achievement in the world of video games, reshaping the terrain unlike many other recent influential games such as Stardew Valley and Fortnite. Unlike those titles, Disco Elysium has produced few, if any, imitators due to its exceptional focus and innovative nature. However, with great uniqueness comes a risk – if not executed skillfully, what sets this game apart could have been its undoing.

Incorporating minimal combat in a role-playing game (RPG) with characteristics similar to computer role-playing games (CRPG) can be a significant gamble, given that these types of games frequently revolve around combat as a key narrative element. Although the genre is known for its philosophical exploration, the move by developers ZAUM in Disco Elysium to exclude combat as a fundamental aspect was a considerable risk within the gaming industry.

6. Pillars Of Eternity

Obsidan Took A Risk With A Crowd-Funded Game

As a game developer, Obsidian Entertainment has been behind some of the most outstanding role-playing games ever created. For instance, “Knights of the Old Republic 2” brought a fresh perspective to the classic struggle between light and dark in the Star Wars universe. Similarly, “Fallout: New Vegas” is often hailed as the pinnacle of the 3D Fallout series. However, it’s worth noting that these remarkable creations by Obsidian were marred by grueling work conditions and pressures from publishers during their development.

As a passionate fan, I can only imagine the allure for Obsidian to break free from traditional production methods and embark on a crowdfunded project—a chance to create a game backed by the community. However, crowdfunding isn’t without its perils. If Obsidian fell short of their funding goals or couldn’t fulfill all their promises with the collected funds, it would have been a public relations nightmare. Fortunately, instead of facing such misfortune, we were blessed with one of the finest CRPGs in modern times—Pillars of Eternity.

5. Torment: Tides Of Numenera

Continuing Planescape’s Legacy Was A Huge Risk

Similar to Pillars of Eternity, Torment: Tides of Numenera was a crowdfunded isometric RPG aiming to reignite the imagination and originality found in classic CRPGs from yesteryears. Nevertheless, the stakes for this game were even higher than Obsidian’s venture with Pillars of Eternity. InXile Entertainment may be experienced and skilled developers, but they didn’t have the same level of renown and anticipation that Oblivion had. Furthermore, this title was positioned to uphold an extremely high level of quality.

At their peak, CRPGs like Planescape: Torment were widely regarded as some of the greatest games ever made. When Tides of Numenera claimed to be a spiritual successor to this classic, it was already setting the bar high even before its launch. Remarkably, it still managed to exceed expectations and shine brightly among them.

4. Fallout 1

A Drop Of Post-Apocalypse In The Sea Of Fantasy

The original Fallout stands out among classic RPGs as one that is still highly praised for its humor and insight, even today. While later Fallout games have embraced the idea that nuclear explosions are exciting and should be used frequently, the original concept of Fallout showcased the terrible reality of a post-apocalyptic world in all its horror.

Yet, this grim warning of a radioactive future emerged during an era when fantasy games were extremely popular. With no well-known brand to lean on, Fallout initially faced the possibility of being overshadowed by these more commercially successful fantasy titles. However, against all odds, it rose to become one of gaming’s iconic post-apocalyptic series.

3. Baldur’s Gate 3

A Game Of This Size Was Always Going To Be A Risk

The path to a complete launch for Baldur’s Gate 3 was a lengthy and meandering one, marked by years of beta versions that fueled growing anticipation. The audacious aim of a game striving for such magnitude and scope inherently carries an immense risk when it comes to successfully delivering on its promise.

In an alternate reality, Baldur’s Gate 3 didn’t manage to fulfill its objectives or faced issues with its fanbase due to specific game mechanics such as failed checks or permanently losing companions. This hypothetical situation would have allowed video essayists worldwide to thrive by dissecting the mistakes made. Fortunately, we live in a universe where Baldur’s Gate 3 surpassed predictions and established itself as an iconic RPG that will be hard to outshine.

2. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader

A Highly Ambitious Title For Many Reasons

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the Warhammer universe, I can attest that few other franchises boast such intricate, complex, and vastly expansive lore as this one does. The idea of merging the content from the Black Library with a traditional isometric RPG was risky enough, but the ambition to harmoniously blend the mechanics of a CRPG with those of the board game bearing the same name could have easily backfired.

One striking feature of Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader is that its creators managed to appeal to audiences who might not be familiar with the lore. For those seeking a gripping space fantasy game, regardless of whether they’re Warhammer fans or not, this game certainly delivers and surpasses expectations.

1. Tunic

An Ingenious Idea That Could’ve Gone Wrong

The unique characteristic of Tunic sets it apart from similar games, and if not executed well, it might have weakened the overall appeal of the game.

Initially, the game begins quite modestly, and players are tasked with gradually reconstructing the manual that outlines all activities within this game title. This manual restoration process is hands-on and progressive as players delve deeper into the game. Not only does this encompass the manual itself, but also the decoding of its language. Such an intricate gameplay aspect could potentially drive away players; however, it propelled Tunic, an indie creation, to widespread acclaim.

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2025-02-15 09:35