Tim Cain worries RPGs are losing their non-linear depth as linear design becomes more common due to cost and shared experience goals.
Tim Cain raises concerns about RPGs
Tim Cain, co-creator of the Fallout series, has expressed concerns that features that made games like Baldur's Gate 3 stand out, such as sprawling narrative branches and hidden secrets, may be disappearing from future RPGs.Linear trends in game design
In a recent video, Cain lamented that the increasing linearity of RPGs could be driven by financial considerations and the desire to create shared experiences among players. He noted that developers are often told to reduce time and money spent on writing dialogues and producing voiceovers, as only a small fraction of players will see them.Single endings becoming common
Cain observed that while non-linear games like Baldur's Gate 3 still exist, there is a growing trend toward games with a single ending. He also criticized the use of quest markers and other indicators that guide players, suggesting that this diminishes the natural curiosity and intelligence of players.Rising costs and exceptions
With rising development costs, games like Baldur's Gate 3, which were praised as GOTY 2023, are becoming exceptions rather than the norm. The use of AI to reduce costs in writing and voice acting could be a potential solution for publishers.
