The death of isometric role-playing games (RPGs) has been a topic of discussion among genre veterans. According to Josh Sawyer, the director behind popular RPGs such as Fallout: New Vegas, Pentiment, and Pillars of Eternity, retail companies played a significant role in the decline of these games during the early 2000s. Sawyer argues that retailers created self-fulfilling prophecies by reducing stocks and sales for games in the isometric RPG genre, ultimately leading to its demise.
The Impact of Retail Stock and Sales Forecasts
Sawyer points out that retailers’ decision-making process was flawed when it came to isometric RPGs. He recalls instances where sales representatives would declare a genre or style as “dead” without any concrete data to support their claims. This led to reduced stocks in the genre and, consequently, lower sales. Such subjective forecasting created a feedback loop where the lack of availability of isometric RPGs in retail stores reinforced the belief that there was no demand for these games.
Industry Wisdom and Declaring Genres Obsolete
David Gaider, BioWare’s former lead writer, supports Sawyer’s argument and adds that it wasn’t just retailers contributing to the decline of isometric RPGs. There was a prevalent “industry wisdom” within development teams that deemed certain games as old-fashioned or obsolete. This attitude stifled innovation and prevented developers from exploring the potential of the isometric RPG genre. Gaider emphasizes that this industry mindset persisted until developers like Larian Studios proved that such beliefs were untrue.
Despite the decline and lack of support for isometric RPGs, the subgenre has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, has been a massive success and has reinvigorated interest in isometric RPGs. The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has demonstrated that there is still a significant audience for these types of games and has sparked hope among developers that they can secure funding for other unique and unconventional RPG projects.
The once-dismissed isometric RPG genre has shown that it is far from dead. Thanks to the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, developers and publishers are increasingly recognizing the potential and demand for these games. The resurgence of isometric RPGs offers an exciting opportunity for innovation and creativity within the genre. With the support of publishers and the enthusiasm of players, the future of isometric RPGs looks promising.
Retail companies played a significant role in the decline of isometric RPGs through their subjective sales forecasting and reduction of stocks. However, the recent success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has proven that the genre is far from obsolete. It is crucial for the industry to learn from past mistakes and give isometric RPGs the attention and support they deserve. As players continue to show their enthusiasm for these games, the future of isometric RPGs appears brighter than ever.
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