The renowned video game writer David Gaider has made comparisons between the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Baldur’s Gate 3, describing them as “love letters” to their respective genres. Gaider highlighted how both titles have managed to attract broader audiences, challenging the belief that the role-playing game market has a limit on the number of players. According to him, the quality of a game can significantly expand this audience.
RPGs are far from being niche video games
Gaider observed the impact that Baldur’s Gate 3 had on the gaming community, becoming a phenomenon that even caught the attention of those who normally do not play dense RPG titles. In a similar vein, Expedition 33 presents itself as a superior game in the realm of JRPGs, accessible to players who typically do not feel drawn to this style. This ability to resonate across a broader spectrum is due to the quality of its presentations and gameplay.
One of the most relevant points in the conversation was the importance of allowing prolonged development for games. Gaider mentioned that the length of Baldur’s Gate 3’s early access allowed the team to respond to player feedback, a luxury that publishers often limit due to financial pressures. Often, these pressures lead developers to dilute the unique features of their games in search of mass appeal.
Finally, although Gaider expressed his desire to create an RPG in his new company, Summerfall, he emphasized that he is first focusing on a promising roguelike, which serves as “our last hope to keep the studio alive.” This focus highlights the difficult decisions developers face in the competitive environment of the video game industry.
