The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Classic CRPGs: Insights from RPG Legend Josh Sawyer

Classic computer role-playing games (CRPGs) are experiencing a significant resurgence today, with titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Pillars of Eternity, and indie gems like SKALD: Against the Black Priory captivating players with their rich narratives and strategic gameplay.

Understanding the Decline of CRPGs in the 2000s

However, this resurgence stands in stark contrast to their decline in the early 2000s. Josh Sawyer, a prominent RPG developer and current studio design director at Obsidian Entertainment, sheds light on this downturn during his keynote at the GCAP 2025 conference. Known for his work on acclaimed titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Icewind Dale, Sawyer highlighted a critical factor behind the fading of classic CRPGs:

“The reason we stopped making Infinity Engine games was because retailers told us no one wanted to buy them. We asked if we could see the research and they basically told us to trust them.”

At that time, the gaming industry leaned heavily on physical retail stores that controlled which games were stocked. Retailers wielded considerable influence, often forcing publishers to buy back unsold inventory. This environment made retailers highly risk-averse, especially regarding niche or complex genres like traditional CRPGs, despite strong fan support.

The Role of Brick-and-Mortar Retailers in Shaping Game Availability

• Inventory Risk: Retailers’ ability to return unsold games led to cautious stocking policies.
• Market Misreading: Retailers underestimated the demand for classic CRPGs, impacting development decisions.
• Limited Shelf Space: Physical constraints prioritized mainstream, high-turnover titles.

These factors collectively created a challenging environment for developers focusing on traditional CRPGs, leading many studios to abandon or avoid the genre during this period.

Digital Distribution: A Game Changer for CRPGs and Niche Genres

The advent of digital distribution platforms revolutionized this landscape by significantly lowering barriers to market entry. Steam, GOG, and later platforms such as Epic Games Store and itch.io empowered independent developers and challenged traditional retail dominance.

Key impacts of digital distribution on the CRPG genre include:

1. Broader Accessibility: Games no longer needed retail approval; developers could reach global audiences directly.
2. Long Tail of Genres: Niche games with dedicated fan bases found sustainable markets.
3. Community Engagement: Early access and digital feedback loops improved game development and marketing.

Today, the success of modern CRPGs such as Baldur’s Gate 3, which has sold millions of copies since its early access launch, exemplifies how digital distribution revived a once struggling genre. According to SuperData Research, digital game sales accounted for over 80% of all PC game revenue in 2024, underscoring this shift.

Examples Reflecting the CRPG Renaissance

• Baldur’s Gate 3: Developed by Larian Studios, it combines deep storytelling with modern RPG mechanics, demonstrating both commercial and critical success.
• Pillars of Eternity: Funded through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign in 2015, it revitalized classic isometric RPG design.
• Indie Titles like SKALD: Offering pure CRPG experiences tailored to core fans, thriving thanks to the digital marketplace.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Current Market

Though digital platforms opened doors for CRPGs, the current market poses new challenges:

• Market Saturation: With over 10,000 games released on Steam annually, discoverability is difficult (SteamSpy, 2023).
• Marketing Complexity: Smaller studios must compete against AAA marketing budgets.
• Quality Variation: An influx of titles presents risks of variable quality affecting player trust.

Nevertheless, modern technology and community support create unprecedented opportunities for CRPGs to innovate and flourish.

Legacy and Influence of Classic CRPGs

Classic games such as those built with BioWare’s Infinity Engine—used for Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale—laid foundational mechanics and narrative structures that continue to influence game design today. These titles emphasized player choice, strategic combat, and deep roleplaying, elements still central to successful RPGs.

Developers and critics alike recognize the enduring importance of these classics. For example, Obsidian’s own projects and the widespread acclaim for Larian’s work reflect a renewed appetite for CRPG depth and complexity. This renaissance enriches the gaming ecosystem, offering both nostalgic experiences and fresh innovation.

Conclusion

The disappearance of classic CRPGs in the early 2000s can largely be attributed to retailer skepticism and the constraints of physical game distribution. However, the rise of digital platforms has dismantled these barriers, enabling the genre’s revival and evolution. As CRPGs enjoy a new era of popularity, their legacy continues to shape the future of role-playing games.

Understanding this history highlights the critical role distribution models and market perception play in game development. It also underscores the resilience of niche genres in adapting to changing industry landscapes.

Summary of Key Points

• Retailers in the 2000s discouraged CRPG development due to perceived low demand.
• Digital distribution widened access, fueling a resurgence of CRPGs.
• Modern platforms empower both indie and established developers to reach niche audiences.
• Historic CRPG mechanics and narratives continue influencing contemporary RPGs.
• Market saturation presents discoverability challenges despite growth in game availability.

The evolution of CRPGs, from difficult retail realities to the digital renaissance, illustrates the dynamic and cyclical nature of the video game industry.