Anticipating the future of role-playing games after BioWare, these are the game developers I believe will take the lead in the upcoming decade.
In the ever-evolving world of video games, the Role-Playing Game (RPG) genre continues to be a hotbed of innovation and creativity. As the titans of the industry shift focus, new contenders emerge, each offering unique experiences for players.
Owlcat Games and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
Owlcat Games, the developer behind Pathfinder: Kingmaker, is working on an exciting new project - The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. This cinematic sci-fi RPG is set in the popular political space opera book series and TV adaptation of The Expanse. The game promises customizable characters, third-person sci-fi shooter action, and a focus on relationships with companions that evolve based on choices made.
Obsidian Entertainment: Living the BioWare Dream
Obsidian Entertainment, once a sister studio to BioWare, seems to have taken the reins in the RPG genre. Their upcoming projects, Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, are more BioWare than Bethesda in nature, offering immersive storytelling and character-driven gameplay.
Harebrained and Graft: A New Body, New Alliances
Harebrained, formerly Harebrained Schemes, is working on Graft, an isometric body-horror RPG set on a space station. Players will scavenge parts from fallen characters to stitch together a new body for themselves, while forming fragile alliances and building deeper relationships. The game's Steam description suggests a BioWare-like gameplay style.
Larian Studios: The New RPG Frontier
Larian Studios, the team behind the triumphant Baldur's Gate 3, is planning to develop its own IPs instead of working on Baldur's Gate 4. Swen Vincke, the studio head and CEO, is leading a new project, one of two unannounced projects the studio is currently working on. Larian Studios' character-forward RPG sandbox style has made it the number one RPG developer to watch for mourning BioWare fans.
InXile's Clockwork Revolution: A Different Kind of RPG
InXile Entertainment's upcoming Clockwork Revolution is not considered a BioWare-like game. Instead, its gameplay resembles Dishonored more than BioWare's RPGs, offering a steampunk-themed action-adventure experience.
BioWare: A Changing Landscape
BioWare, once the frontrunner in the RPG genre, is no longer enjoying the same level of success. EA's handling of the studio has raised concerns, with the company not giving BioWare the time or trust to make the kind of RPGs it originally spearheaded.
As the RPG landscape evolves, it's clear that new contenders are rising to challenge the old guard. Whether it's Owlcat Games, Obsidian Entertainment, Harebrained, Larian Studios, or InXile Entertainment, each studio brings its unique vision to the table, ensuring that the RPG genre remains vibrant and diverse.
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