Avowed’s Success Sparks Pillars Tactics Consideration
The success of Avowed, the latest game from Obsidian Entertainment, has reinvigorated the studio’s interest in exploring the world of Eora, first introduced in the popular Pillars of Eternity series. Avowed, a spin-off set in the same universe, has become one of the most-played Game Pass titles since its release, attracting tens of thousands of concurrent players on Steam. This positive reception has inspired the team to consider new projects, including a potential turn-based tactics game set in Eora.
Josh Sawyer and the Pillars Tactics Concept
Josh Sawyer, the director of both Pillars of Eternity and the critically acclaimed Fallout: New Vegas, has openly discussed the possibility of a Pillars Tactics game. Sawyer, known for his deep understanding of RPG mechanics and narrative, is enthusiastic about the idea. He notes, "Pillars Tactics is a thing that a lot of people at [Obsidian] would like to work on," highlighting the internal interest within the studio. However, he also acknowledges the challenges inherent in developing a game for a niche market.
The Tactical Game Dilemma
Sawyer is well aware of the complexities involved in creating a tactics game. He points out, "there are a lot of people that like tactics games," but admits that "the fanbase is not humungous." This presents a significant challenge for Obsidian: how many developers should they dedicate to a relatively niche genre? How big should the game be, and how much time and resources should they invest in making it visually appealing? These are crucial questions that need to be addressed to ensure the game is commercially viable.
Balancing Scope and Viability
The scope of development is a critical factor in the success of any game, and a tactics game is no exception. Sawyer emphasizes that the "scope of development" must be at a level "where it feels like it could actually make money." This means finding a balance between creating a high-quality, visually stunning game and managing costs to ensure a return on investment. Even if the entire tactics game fanbase were to purchase the game, "that’s still not that many people," Sawyer notes, highlighting the financial risks involved.
A Promising Market for Tactics Games
Despite the challenges, there is a precedent for successful tactics games. Titles like Fallout Tactics, the XCOM franchise, and Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus have all achieved significant success and have dedicated fanbases. The latter, in particular, is getting a sequel soon, demonstrating that there is still a strong market for new and big tactics projects. These examples provide a ray of hope for Obsidian, suggesting that with the right approach, a Pillars Tactics game could find its audience.
Moving Forward and Future Projects
While the idea of a Pillars Tactics game is intriguing, Obsidian has a lot on its plate. The studio is currently developing The Outer Worlds 2, which is set to release this year. This means that any new projects, including a tactics game, will have to wait until the studio has the bandwidth to tackle them. Nevertheless, the success of Avowed and the internal enthusiasm for a Pillars Tactics game indicate that the idea is not just a passing thought but a serious consideration for the future. As the studio continues to explore the world of Eora, fans of the Pillars of Eternity series can look forward to the possibility of new and exciting projects on the horizon.
