Before Baldur’s Gate 3 took the gaming world by storm, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire stood as a shining example of how modern CRPGs could blend nostalgia with contemporary themes. Drawing inspiration from the esteemed Infinity Engine games, it ventured into complex territories such as colonialism, all while delivering an exhilarating pirate adventure. This fusion of the old and the new was indeed a feast for the senses.
However, the game’s commercial performance fell short of expectations, leaving game director Josh Sawyer with a lingering sense of disappointment. This experience contributed to his burnout and prompted him to reflect critically on the crowdfunding model that had initially inspired Obsidian to adopt a more cautious approach to satisfy backers, as he shared in a recent interview with RPG Site.
Insights on Avowed
In the same conversation, Sawyer revealed his involvement with Avowed, stating, “I am in an advisory role still, but I did a little bit of writing on Avowed. I’ve helped out with some system design and things like that. Basically, wherever they needed help.” His contributions, though valuable, are somewhat limited, which may be disheartening given his significant influence on the series.
Reflecting on the aftermath of Pillars 2’s underwhelming sales, Sawyer expressed his struggle to understand its lack of success, especially when other CRPGs continued to thrive. Despite this, the idea of Pillars 3 continues to surface, and Sawyer remains open to the possibility. Following the remarkable success of Baldur’s Gate 3, he mused, “If it truly was an unlimited budget, I think I would try Pillars 3 because I know what the budget was for [Pillars of Eternity 2:] Deadfire.” He acknowledged the stark contrast in financial backing between the two titles, hinting at the potential for a future installment if circumstances allowed.
Yet, a year later, Sawyer’s enthusiasm for Pillars 3 appears to have tempered. When asked about the feasibility of creating a sequel without budgetary constraints, he replied, “I don’t know. I feel like now Avowed is where the Pillars universe has kind of gone.” He expressed curiosity about how audiences might embrace this shift, suggesting that the future of the Pillars universe could take various directions. Sawyer also indicated a growing interest in developing original intellectual properties rather than revisiting established ones.
While my fondness for Pillars 2 remains strong, I find solace in this evolution. Obsidian’s work in the sequel was commendable, yet the universe they crafted is closely tied to Dungeons & Dragons. I am increasingly drawn to RPG developers who venture into less conventional territories, with Disco Elysium’s Revachol serving as a prime example. Ultimately, I yearn for another Sawyer-led RPG, regardless of the universe it inhabits, and perhaps that opportunity lies ahead.
That said, my anticipation for Avowed is far from diminished. Although it may tread familiar ground, recent impressions have reassured me of its potential. If it manages to deliver a “well-crafted and compelling” experience, complete with meaningful political choices, I will find satisfaction in its execution.
