The Best Game: The Rise of RPGs in the Gaming Industry
In 2014, Obsidian Entertainment director Josh Sawyer discussed the decline of isometric RPGs in the mid to late 2000s. Western publishers believed that these old-school RPGs were too complex for the average gamer, leading mainstream developers like BioWare to remove RPG elements from their games. However, the emergence of Kickstarter brought a revival of classic RPGs like Pillars of Eternity, Wasteland 2, and Shadowrun, thanks to the support of dedicated fans.
During this period, Larian Studios emerged as an unknown developer that would later have a significant impact on the gaming industry. Last week, Larian Studios released Baldur’s Gate 3 after a successful early access period. This game quickly became one of the breakthrough successes of 2023, receiving warm reception and attracting hundreds of thousands of concurrent players on Steam. The unexpected mainstream success of a dense and classic RPG like Baldur’s Gate 3 is evidence of the new golden age that RPGs are currently experiencing.
Led by studios such as CD Projekt, FromSoftware, Bethesda, and now Larian Studios, the role-playing genre has infiltrated every aspect of gaming consciousness. Baldur’s Gate 3 and Diablo IV are among the biggest games in 2023. Xbox has even acquired three specialized RPG developers, including inXile Entertainment, Obsidian, and Bethesda, with the potential addition of Blizzard. Even non-RPG games have incorporated RPG elements to enhance their gameplay.
Many developers associate the success of this genre with the rise of streaming, as RPGs offer various outcomes that generate interesting content. Others praise World of Warcraft for prioritizing color-coded loot, making it easier for players to engage with a more complex experience. Regardless of the reasons, we are currently witnessing a unique RPG period that was difficult to predict a decade ago.
Although there is no specific turning point for the resurgence of the genre, the release of The Witcher 3 in 2015 marked a significant change. CD Projekt Red, previously known as a cult developer focused on the PC experience, gained widespread recognition with The Witcher 3, selling an impressive 60 million copies. The immersive open world of this game, choice-driven quests, and captivating side quests tap into players’ desire for a deeper gaming experience.
The influence of games like The Witcher 3 and Skyrim cannot be overstated. These titles, along with Dark Souls and others, have paved the way for an explosion of RPGs in various forms. Avant-garde experiences like Disco Elysium have pushed this genre forward, while Fire Emblem: Three Houses showcases the enduring popularity of turn-based tactical RPGs. Games like Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Elden Ring, Final Fantasy XIV, and Path of Exile have all achieved creative and financial success. Additionally, Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail continue to thrive in the market.
RPG sangat ideal untuk era game media sosial. Meskipun sebagian besar berfokus pada pengalaman pemain tunggal, mereka mendorong pemain untuk berbagi karakter dan pilihan mereka dengan orang lain. Dengan pengetahuan dan elemen rahasianya yang kaya, RPG menawarkan konten yang signifikan yang relevan bagi pemain di era game yang mahal. Selain itu, RPG sering menjelajahi hubungan romantis, menjadikannya populer di kalangan penggemar yang mencari pasangan romantis.
Baldur’s Gate 3 embodies this trend while standing out as a unique game. It combines tightly written quests driven by choice with open exploration aspects. Its stunning visuals make it one of the most visually impressive isometric RPGs since Dragon Age: Origins. Unlike many other games, Baldur’s Gate 3 remains a classic RPG deeply rooted in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Its main success sets it apart from other CRPGs, surpassing even the popularity of titles like Baldur’s Gate 2, Fallout, and Neverwinter Nights.
The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 is evidence of the ongoing RPG moment. This genre has never felt more exciting, ambitious, and diverse. While embracing elements of classic CRPGs, it also offers a fresh and innovative experience. With many talented studios at the height of their power, the future of RPGs looks promising.
Welcome to Experience Points, IGN’s new column dedicated to RPGs. As a RPG enthusiast with over a decade of experience covering this genre, I am excited to delve into various aspects of RPGs every month. From new releases like Starfield to beloved classics like Chrono Trigger, RPGs have many stories to tell, and I hope to share them with you here.
Kat Bailey adalah Direktur Berita IGN dan co-host dari Nintendo Voice Chat. Dengan hasrat untuk RPG, dia telah meliput genre ini selama bertahun-tahun di berbagai publikasi dan podcastnya, Axe of the Blood God. Jika
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