RPG fans often debate how much accessibility and complexity modern games should offer, particularly as major titles try to reach wider audiences. While some players crave intricate systems and nuanced decision-making, others prefer a smoother experience focused on story and exploration. This tension sits at the heart of several high-profile franchises, and voices within the development community, such as Obsidian’s Josh Sawyer, continue to weigh in on striking the right balance. The challenge remains: can a single title truly satisfy both ends of the RPG spectrum? Studios must consider evolving player expectations while preserving what draws dedicated fans to the genre.
Discussions around complexity and accessibility in RPGs are not new. When Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion gained mainstream attention, Bethesda made the genre more approachable for many. Critics at the time noted that this shift often led to simplified mechanics compared to earlier PC titles like Baldur’s Gate or Icewind Dale. Comparisons with recent releases, such as Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios, show efforts to reintroduce robust customization and player-driven outcomes. The debate continues, with modern games struggling to cater to both newcomers and traditionalists without sacrificing critical aspects valued by either group.
How Does RPG Complexity Affect Player Experience?
Josh Sawyer, a key figure behind Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity and Fallout: New Vegas, highlights the importance of retaining “crunch”—the depth and reactivity that define classic CRPGs. He notes that while accessible RPGs draw more users, minimizing complexity risks alienating the more invested audience. According to Sawyer, these demanding players “like the crunch” and expect systems that reward deliberate choices, gear tweaking, and mature storytelling. Maintaining this intricate structure can preserve what has sustained long-term fan engagement throughout shifting trends in the industry.
Can Accessibility and Complexity Coexist in RPGs?
Sawyer argues that accessible experiences and deeper challenges are not mutually exclusive. Referencing customization options provided by studios like Owlcat, he suggests that offering scalable difficulty and flexible systems allows games to serve a wide player base.
“It’s not that it’s no work, but it’s not as much work as you might think if you put the time into it.”
He describes supporting low-challenge “Story Time” modes as relatively manageable when compared to developing intricate tactical flexibility. Even minor planning can enable titles to offer both hard-core challenge and relaxed exploration, broadening appeal without substantial development overhead.
What Role Do Player Preferences Play in RPG Evolution?
He acknowledges that player enjoyment varies widely, from those who prefer browsing gear and making tough choices to others who enjoy streamlined experiences with level scaling. Sawyer stresses the value in “support[ing] a wide spectrum of players,” rather than adopting a single model or sacrificing depth for accessibility. This perspective resonates with fans who seek both the ability to tinker deeply and the option to simply enjoy the journey, as seen in Baldur’s Gate 3, which incorporates multiple builds and endings to accommodate a variety of playstyles.
Developers face ongoing pressure to recognize the complexities of their audience. While Bethesda’s approach with titles such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim broadened RPG popularity, some veteran players missed the complexity found in earlier games. Meanwhile, options like Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire demonstrate that it is possible to provide both challenging and easygoing modes, with only moderate adjustments. For players, discerning which studios pursue real depth and which opt for broader appeal has become an important consideration when selecting new experiences.
Keeping both groups satisfied means embracing flexibility in design. RPGs can feature layers of customization, reactive narratives, and robust systems for those interested, while also providing simplified settings for relaxed enjoyment. Developers can benefit from understanding their community and implementing incremental improvements to difficulty scaling and player agency. Studios like Obsidian, Larian, and Owlcat show that supporting a diversity of player preferences is a feasible and sustainable approach, especially as RPG fans increasingly seek games that adapt to their own pace and style. Ultimately, being able to fine-tune difficulty and depth ensures that the genre remains accessible and rewarding for everyone willing to take part.
