Interview Interview with Josh Sawyer at Just Press Start

[Infinitron]

Tags: J.E. Sawyer; Obsidian Entertainment; Pillars of Eternity

Josh Sawyer recently gave a short interview for the gaming podcast website Just Press Start, on the topic of the upcoming Pillars of Eternity. It's only twenty minutes long, but the interviewer managed to fit in some decent questions about rules design, the creation of the Eternity setting, and more.

The most interesting part of the interview, in my opinion, is Josh's observation that "players are both dumber and smarter than you think they are". Dumber, because they don't always intuitively grasp the RPG tropes that veterans take for granted, and smarter, because when confronted with consistently challenging combat, they usually rise up to the task. I also appreciate his emphasis of the fact that, as an Obsidian game, Pillars of Eternity won't have any "cosmetic C&C" - every dialogue choice will have a mechanical impact.

 

[FeelTheRads]

as an Obsidian game, Pillars of Eternity won't have any "cosmetic C&C"

 

[cherry blossom]

every dialogue choice will have a mechanical impact.

About time.

 

[FeelTheRads]

For example "Bye" will exit the conversation.

 

[Cyberarmy]

For example "Bye" will exit the conversation.

The Horror!

 

[Abelian]

The most interesting part of the interview, in my opinion, is Josh's observation that "players are both dumber and smarter than you think they are". Dumber, because they don't always intuitively grasp the RPG tropes that veterans take for granted, and smarter, because when confronted with consistently challenging combat, they usually rise up to the task. I also appreciate his emphasis of the fact that, as an Obsidian game, Pillars of Eternity won't have any "cosmetic C&C" - every dialogue choice will have a mechanical impact.

I've heard of the version: "users are some of the most creative idiots you will meet" since they will figure out ways to break a game/application by doing things the developers never even thought about. Which is why it's important to have rigorous beta/stress testing done by people who are not overtly familiar with the application.

 

[DragoFireheart]

and smarter, because when confronted with consistently challenging combat, they usually rise up to the task.

Well when you make combat that MCA can handle of course we'll be up to the task. We're not retards that die to the wolves in Arcanum.

 

[Morality Games]

and smarter, because when confronted with consistently challenging combat, they usually rise up to the task.

Well when you make combat that MCA can handle of course we'll be up to the task. We're not retards that die to the wolves in Arcanum.

Er, of course I didn't die to the wolves the first time. Hahahahhaha.

 

[RK47]

God I hope I can win fights with a diplomatic character IN combat.