In the realm of tabletop gaming, few titles have captured the imagination quite like Dungeons and Dragons. My own affinity for the game is evident, whether through my unwavering subscription to Not Another DnD Podcast—my lifeline during lengthy flights—or the overflowing bookshelf shared with my partner, brimming with monster manuals and adventure modules. This passion naturally extends to video games, with Dragon Age and Baldur’s Gate 3 occupying prime spots on my ‘most-played’ list, alongside other beloved RPGs such as Neverwinter Nights and Pathfinder.
Owlcat’s Shift to Warhammer 40k
However, Owlcat Games, the studio renowned for its acclaimed titles like Wrath of the Righteous and Kingmaker, has recently redirected its creative energies towards the Warhammer 40k universe. The release of Rogue Trader in 2023 marked this transition, with another title, Dark Heresy, looming on the horizon. As Owlcat immerses itself in the grimdark narratives of the 41st Millennium, I seized the opportunity to inquire about the potential for a return to Pathfinder.
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, Owlcat’s last foray into fantasy, debuted in 2021 to favorable reviews, achieving an 83 on Metacritic and maintaining a solid 82% on Steam. Following this success, the studio’s pivot to Warhammer 40k has been met with mixed initial reactions; however, Rogue Trader has quickly ascended to become one of my all-time favorite RPGs. With the team now focused on Dark Heresy and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, set in the sci-fi universe crafted by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, the question of Pathfinder’s future remains tantalizingly open.
Given the recent surge in popularity of DnD games, particularly following the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, it seems an opportune moment to revisit Pathfinder. I posed this question to executive producer Anatoly Shestov, curious about the studio’s stance on a potential return to the beloved franchise.
“We take pride in what we made with Pathfinder,” Shestov shared. “Internally, we have a solid number of creative individuals who would be thrilled to work on Pathfinder again. Whether that means evolving the existing stories or exploring new lore, our decision-making process hinges on our collective passion.” He elaborated on the team’s current enthusiasm for Dark Heresy, noting that this fervor significantly influenced their direction. “When we discuss what to do next, there will be spirited debates and passionate arguments. Some of our most dedicated team members are eager to advocate for a return to Pathfinder.”
With a knowing smile, he added, “But I won’t promise anything. Do we consider [a new Pathfinder game]? Yes, we evaluate all viable options, and this one certainly stands out.” The glimmer of hope for Pathfinder fans is unmistakable.
For those seeking a more whimsical escape, a guide to the best fantasy games awaits. Alternatively, if the dark allure of the 41st Millennium piques your interest, a curated list of the top space games—some perhaps less grim than the average Warhammer adventure—can provide a welcome diversion.
Would you welcome a new Pathfinder game? What narratives would you wish to explore? Join the conversation on our dedicated Discord server.
