emotional engagement

Josh Sawyer, Obsidian's design director, discussed the impact of artistic inspiration on game design, emphasizing how video games evoke emotions and provoke thought through player experiences. In the game Pentiment, the design team aimed for players to confront difficult choices with significant consequences, fostering deep engagement with the narrative. Sawyer noted that while inventory systems in Pillars of Eternity may disrupt immersion, they shift cognitive focus, allowing players to evaluate items. He draws inspiration from various sources, including classical theater, musicals, visual art, and moral dilemmas in Greek plays, highlighting the importance of symbolism and emotional connections in game design.