Owlcat Games: A Decade of Evolution and Ambition
In a recent conversation with PCGamesN, Alexander Mishulin, co-founder and creative director of Owlcat Games, reflected on the studio’s decade-long journey and its future endeavors. The interview revealed two significant insights: Owlcat remains committed to its hardcore CRPG fanbase, and the studio has significantly expanded its workforce, positioning itself among the industry’s heavyweights.
Mishulin expressed a clear dedication to the CRPG genre, stating, “We will continue to make CRPGs because we love them.” He emphasized the importance of innovation, asserting that the studio aims to avoid stagnation by exploring various approaches to role-playing games. This commitment is particularly evident in their upcoming title, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, which marks a bold departure from their traditional style. While some may have speculated about a potential shift away from their established identity, Mishulin’s reassurances provide a comforting sense of continuity for fans.
Further supporting this commitment is the development of Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy, which builds upon Owlcat’s CRPG engine and adapts the Rogue Trader ruleset. This project echoes the evolution seen in their previous titles, transitioning from Pathfinder: Kingmaker to Wrath of the Righteous, and promises to deliver an engaging experience for players.
Owlcat’s growth has been remarkable, with reports indicating that the studio now boasts around 600 employees. This expansion allows them to tackle two projects simultaneously, placing them in a competitive position alongside other notable RPG developers. For context, Larian Studios has reported over 500 employees, while Obsidian Entertainment has seen its numbers dwindle to around 200 following recent layoffs.
In comparison, CD Projekt Red leads the pack with 1,134 employees globally, while BioWare, once a titan in the industry, has likely reduced its workforce to fewer than 100 following significant layoffs in recent years. Although the exact distribution of Owlcat’s staff across various offices remains unclear, the studio, originally founded in Moscow and now headquartered in Paphos, Cyprus, is clearly equipped to manage multiple RPG projects concurrently.
As Owlcat continues to grow, it appears poised to cater to both action and CRPG enthusiasts, potentially mirroring the successful multi-game strategy that BioWare employed during its peak with franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
