Pentiment director emphasizes the importance of RPG players not controlling everything
in newsletterGame Developer · 4 min read · culture
Pentiment director Josh Sawyer argues RPGs are most engaging when players can control a lot but not everything. Sawyer cites examples like Pillars of Eternity 2, where players cannot stop an in-game deity, to illustrate how limiting player agency can create meaningful choice and emotional impact.
Mentioned entities
BethesdaEothasFalloutFallout: New VegasJosh SawyerMicrosoftObsidian EntertainmentPentimentPillars of Eternity 2: DeadfirePillars of Eternity seriesThe Examined Game with Steven LakeTodd HowardXbox
Appeared in 2026-07-22.