Even if Avowed does well, it doesn't sound like we'll get Pillars of Eternity 3, at least not from Josh Sawyer: 'I am more interested in doing original IP'
Before Baldur's Gate 3 appeared and consumed my entire world, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire was the CRPG I pointed to as the best example of how a modern game in this venerable genre should look. It was deeply connected to the legacy of the Infinity Engine games, but boasted a setting that allowed Obsidian to explore meatier subjects, like colonialism, while still conjuring up a riveting pirate romp. It was a delicious collision of old and new.
Unfortunately, it sold less than expected, and the whole experience seemed to leave a sour taste in game director Josh Sawyer's mouth, leading to him experiencing burnout and bemoaning the crowdfunding model which had inspired Obsidian to take a more conservative approach to please backers.
It wasn't until Pentiment, the historical detective romp, that Sawyer would lead a game's development again, and while it's a game I adore, it's a million miles away from the RPGs that he's best known for. Although we are getting another game in the Pillars universe, Avowed is a distinctly different kind of RPG, and one that Sawyer isn't leading. Though he has been lending a hand, as he explained to RPG Site in a recent interview.
«I'm helping on Avowed,» he said. «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. I am doing more hands-on work there and then just thinking and talking about ideas for future projects.»
Given his influence on the series, it's a shame to hear that Sawyer’s role in Avowed is so small. But maybe it shouldn't be too surprising. Pillars 2's disappointing sales really seemed to take a toll, and in a Tumblr post in 2019 he really wrestled with why it failed: a question he really didn't have an answer for, especially since other CRPGs were still enjoying a lot of success.
Even so, the prospect of Pillars 3 keeps being raised, and Sawyer keeps talking about it. Following the incredible
Read more on pcgamer.com
