Josh Sawyer, the studio design director at Obsidian, believes it is a mistake for RPGs to lose their complex systems in favor of simplifying gameplay overwhelmingly for accessibility. He advocates for games that cater to varying player preferences, emphasizing that it’s possible to support different play styles without sacrificing depth.

In a recent discussion, Sawyer reflected on the evolution of RPGs, noting how early titles like Fallout and Baldur’s Gate set a benchmark for player engagement through detailed mechanics. Despite revealing an inclination towards easier difficulties, Sawyer highlights that achieving a broad appeal doesn’t mean reducing the intrinsic complexity that defines engaging gameplay.

“With some careful planning, we can cater to a broad spectrum of gamers.”
“It’s vital to not diminish the experience for those who thrive on tactical challenge and narrative depth.”

In contrast to more simplified approaches, he praises developers like Owlcat for their efforts in allowing more nuanced difficulty options. Sawyer believes that the core elements of choice, consequence, and nuanced storytelling should remain focal points in RPG development, ensuring that even casual players can engage meaningfully while hardcore fans find the rewarding complexity they seek.